Why is it important to review literature?
Why is it helpful to do an annotated bibliography of your research when putting together a research proposal?
Part II: Your Research Question
Describe your research setting and interests, and share with the class a research idea in your discipline that interests you.
Discuss a research problem within your interest area that you would like to investigate and the purpose for proposing a study for solving this problem.
Full Answer Section
- Develops Research Questions: By reviewing existing literature, you can refine your research question and ensure it's relevant, original, and feasible.
- Strengthens Methodology: The literature review helps you identify appropriate research methods and analytical tools used in similar studies.
- Identifies Key Sources: You discover relevant scholarly articles, journals, and books that form the foundation of your research.
- Establishes Credibility: A thorough literature review demonstrates your familiarity with the field and strengthens your research proposal or paper.
Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources with annotations that summarize and evaluate each source. Here's how it helps when creating a research proposal:
- Organizational Tool: It keeps track of your sources and helps you organize your research material.
- Critical Analysis: As you write annotations, you engage with the content, critically analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.
- Source Integration: Annotations help you identify how each source relates to your research question and how you plan to use it in your project.
- Stronger Proposal: By utilizing an annotated bibliography, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the existing literature and a more focused approach to your research.
Part II: Research Interests and Question
Example: (Replace the following with your specific interests)
Setting and Interests: Let's say I'm interested in environmental science, particularly the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Research Question: I'm curious about the effectiveness of coral reef restoration efforts in mitigating the effects of ocean acidification caused by climate change.
Research Problem: Coral reefs are vital ecosystems facing significant threats from ocean acidification. While restoration efforts are underway, their effectiveness in the face of ongoing climate change remains unclear.
Purpose of Study: My research proposes to investigate the long-term success of coral reef restoration initiatives in the context of ocean acidification. By analyzing success rates and identifying key factors influencing coral survival, the study aims to provide valuable insights for developing more effective restoration strategies. This research could inform future conservation efforts and contribute to the protection of these critical marine environments.
Sample Answer
Part I: Importance of Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography
Importance of Literature Review
A literature review is an essential first step in any research project. Here's why it's important:
- Builds Knowledge Base: It provides a comprehensive understanding of existing research on your chosen topic. This helps you identify gaps in knowledge and avoid duplicating previous efforts.