STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP: Academic reading and writing
Searching the literature
(also scholarly information retrieval and literature reviews: scholarly literature v. non-scholarly, identifying state-of-the-art; description v. synthesis)
Definition:
Science ideally pushes forward the boundaries of human understanding of problems and issues. Comprehensive scholarly literature reviews are essential for understanding the state-of-the art in one’s field and for synthesizing, or “putting together” a comprehensive perspective of research perspectives that have come before.
Useful resources on Scholarly information retrieval:
IUPUI University Library. Literature Review: A Self-Guided Tutorial. https:https://iu.libguides.com/literaturereview.
Detailed, step-by-step instructions and links to additional information for each step of the literature review process (use your local library if you require personal assistance). Includes quizzes to test general knowledge.
Lau F., Kuziemsky C. (Ed.). (2017). Chapter 9: Methods for literature reviews. Handbook of eHealth evaluation: An evidence-based approach. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481583/
Applicable to all disciplines. Provides definition and rationale for performing literature reviews, process and steps, and further reading.
Harvard Library. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Getting Started. https://guides.library.harvard.edu/meta-analysis
An introductory guide outlining key steps in planning and conducting systematic reviews, including search strategy development.
University of Cambridge Medical Library. Systematic Reviews: Search Strategy. https://libguides.cam.ac.uk/systematic-reviews/search-strategy
An overview of search strategy development in the context of systematic reviews, including tools, techniques, and documentation.
Cambridge University LibrariesSystematic Reviews: Reporting Standards. https://libguides.cam.ac.uk/systematic-reviews/reporting-standards
Introduction to key reporting standards for systematic reviews, including PRISMA and related guidelines.
Tags: IPS IA; IPS CritT; IPS CreaT; IPS R; IPS IL; IAL IntL; CompS; CompTS; CompGS
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
- 1.2. Academic reading and writing
- 1.2.1. Preparing to write
- 1.2.1.2. Analysis and synthesis
1.2.1.3. Critical reading
1.2.1.4. Critical thinking
1.2.1.5. Evaluating use and misuse of scientific information
1.2.1.6. Reading and interpreting graphs, plots, statistical data
1.2.1.7. Organizing a writing project
1.2.1.8. Citing correctly and reference/citation management tools
1.2.1.9. Copyright: definition, why considered important/or not important, things to consider
- 1.2.3. Grant proposals
- 1.2.4. Corresponding with others
Author: Stephanie Krueger
Peer Reviewer(s): None