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Writing Your Assignment

Information and resources for completing written assignments including essays, annotated bibliographies, literature reviews and more.

What is a Literature Review?

According to the Encyclopedia of Research Design, "literature reviews are systematic syntheses of previous work around a particular topic."

A literature review finds, summarizes, organizes and presents a body of knowledge on a topic.

About Research Methodology

When evaluating research studies, include information about the methods used to collect and analyze the data.

Qualitative Methods

According to the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, qualitative methods yield: 

data that is not easily obtainable with the use of quantitative methods. Qualitative methods encompass a variety of methodologies, including observation, interviewing, document analysis

Quantitative Methods

According to the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, quantitative research 

uses numbers as the basis for making inferences about the phenomenon under study. The hallmarks of quantitative research are control over extraneous influences (often involving experimental manipulation) and, more generally, statistical approaches to sampling, measurement, and data analysis

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary Sources

Original document, source or text without any criticism or interpretation. Includes primary research articles that report the results of original research.

Secondary Sources

An analysis, interpretation or evaluation of primary source information. Includes opinion, review, discussion or summary.

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