"A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period" (University of North Carolina, 2007). For example, a person who is studying education will want to know more about ways in which to help his or her students better. The individual will look at journals and books in order get analyze the current data that is available as a means of helping him or her conduct their own study about a certain issue within this field. All of what is found is published, whether it is on the Internet or in the library.
A literature review is a baseline on how one will conduct their own research in education. This enables one to summarize their sources. Through this one use synthesis with the information that is currently available. An individual is able to interpret the data from their perspective. Ultimately, he or she has a feel for current studies and how he or she will conduct their own.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Designs
A quantitative design has three characteristics. This includes "experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental" (Highfield, 2009). A person is able to control the situation by means of choosing whether or not to have a placebo and experimental group for the dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, one is able to determine the length of time in which to conduct the research. An individual can have a hypothesis to find out if either are true (Highfield, 2009).
With a qualitative design, someone can use five means of obtaining data. These are "grounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography, historical and case study" (Highfield, 2009). Someone is able to use flexibility during the research...
Furthermore, one can decide whether or not to participate in the study. Groups are usually not compared (Highfield, 2009). Primary vs. Secondary Data
Primary data is important when conducting research. One has to consider using books. These are usually "original documents, creative works and relics or artifacts" (Princeton University, 2011). For example, this includes diaries written by individuals, such as Anne Frank. A journal article from that has "new research findings" (Princeton University, 2011). All of these are important when it comes to gather information needed to conduct research in any discipline.
Secondary data is "interprets and analyzes primary sources" (Princeton University, 2011). This may include a textbook on history. Currently, websites are considered secondary forms of research. One has to use caution on the legitimacy of the site and if it is reliable and valid. These are a means of gathering information in order to put together a literature review as well.
References
Highfield, M. (2009, October). Research designs: Quantitative and qualitative. Retrieved May 4,
2011, from California State Univesity, Northridge:
http://www.csun.edu/~meh20426/310/7QuantitativeDesign.pdf.
Princeton University. (2011). Primary vs. secondary sources. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from Princeton University: http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html.
University of North Carolina. (2007). Literature reviews. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/literature_review.html.
University of Tennesse, Knocksville. (2011). Assumptions. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from http://web.utk.edu/~wrobinso/540_lec_assume.html.
