Finding Literature for Your Dissertation
Finding Literature for Your Dissertation
Finding literature for your dissertation is an iterative process that involves gathering and evaluating sources that are most relevant to your research topic. Here’s how to effectively find literature:
1. Start with a Broad Search
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Use Database Search Engines: Start with a broad search in databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or your university’s library database. Use keywords related to your research area and refine your search to be more specific.
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Use Boolean Operators: Use AND, OR, and NOT to combine or exclude terms in your searches. For example, searching for “social media AND political participation” will return results that include both terms.
2. Review Citation Lists
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Look at Citations: As you find useful sources, review their citations to find additional relevant research. This will help expand your pool of literature and expose you to foundational or lesser-known studies.
3. Use Reference Management Tools
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Organize Your Findings: Tools like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley allow you to organize your sources and automatically generate citations in various formats. These tools can also help you keep track of your literature search process.
4. Consult Your Advisor and Peers
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Ask for Recommendations: Your dissertation advisor and other faculty members can suggest key sources that are critical to your topic. Peers in your field may also have valuable recommendations for useful literature.
5. Refine Your Search as You Go
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Narrow Focus: As you start writing and formulating your research question, continue refining your search to find more specific studies that directly contribute to your research area.
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Keep Up-to-Date: Stay current by checking new publications in your field throughout the writing process. Set up alerts on databases to receive notifications about new research on your topic.
By using these strategies and sources, you can effectively find literature that supports your dissertation and positions your research within the existing body of knowledge in your field.