The Literature Review in a master's research study does takes time and analysis to do, however, not all students are up to the challenge. I am interested in knowing the strategies you use for students who claim that they cannot find literature on their topic when a search thru Google shows over 2 million results.
Many thanks,
Debra
I make sure students are aware of the digital databases that enable them to access literature from libraries all over the world. Usually they're only familiar with a few databases, which is the source of their trouble.
I think that the problem does not necessarily stem from the lack of methodological familiarity with electronic resources and library databases. Most students these days know well enough how to navigate the different library resources, including research databases (or, for that matter, GoogleBooks). Instead, I think the problem may lie in the student's lack of understanding of the topic. I think that a solid definition and delimitation of the research will allow the student to come up with a few keywords (max. 10), which he/she could use as potential combinations to broad or narrow search results as deemed appropriate. This learning exercise will indeed retrieve plenty of results, some of them broader, some of them narrower, but this will allow the student to come across core literature on the subject and from the reference lists found at the end of the journal articles and books, it will allow the student to further explore the topic and delve into it.
It is important, however, that the student does know well the research scope to avoid delving into superfluous literature/studies.
I agree with Prof. Alejandra's excellent submission. It is the students' lack of comprehension on how to till out closely related key words on the identified problem for the study that needs to be search on all databases. If we assist our students in that, it would be easy for them to find literature, related to the chosen study.
Taking the time to sit down with the student and show how the institution's own search engine may be useful although scholar.google may be more relevant; it seems to me to be a case of explaining the relevance of different search engines combined with the range of keywords that might apply.
Such a problem student usually had not tried. But there is also ignorance present. The student did not know the difference between ERIC and MedLine. The student thinks that the student will be given the thesis on a plate, with the whole thesis already typed out for them, and all they have to do is sign it!!
I always told such a student to come round to look at my computer screen. I said: "You can't find anything?" in an incredulous tone of voice. "No".
I typed their topic's keyphrases into Google Scholar, and asked the now shamefaced student: "Then what is this?"
Somehow we have to help these students to unlearn their helplessness.
Help find good bibliography on the subject that the student would like to investigate.
From there, never get tired of reading, in a good reading with good bibliographic material is the key to success in the revision of literature.
* Sorry for my english*
Regards!
Hello,
Assuming the student is sufficiently honest, he/she may need to understand the basic tips of searching the literature through internet search engines. At least he/she must know the relevant keywords, and the way of mixing them using linking logic. There are many strategies and tools that may be used for searching the literature and preparing a good survey. For example, https://www.mindmeister.com/39583892/research-tools-by-nader-ale-ebrahim provides many alternatives. On the other hand, the student may insufficiently be qualified for a postgrad study! In this case, he/she should not be accepted as a postgrad student.
I grab the student by the scruff of his/her neck, drag them into my office, and show them what to do at the computer (making her/him go through the motions).
I would assume that this won't be the only student who is struggling and I would organise a session with our Faculty librarian, who can show them the academic databases through the library, and how to do advanced searches on the Internet. I would also ensure that we included Google Scholar, Researchgate and Academia, suggesting that students follow the key researchers in their field.
Dear Peter:
The student claims not to find literature on the use of Puzzles and other ICT games for developing children's problem solving skills.
Many thanks,
Debra
The student has apparently done one Google Search:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=%22the+use+of+Puzzles+and+other+ICT+games+for+developing+children%27s+problem+solving+skills%22
Google reports: No results found for "the use of Puzzles and other ICT games for developing children's problem solving skills".
What strategy has the student not learned:
(A) Creativity?
(B) Leavingout the quotes?
(C) Trying synonyms?
(D) Trying alternative search engines?
(E) Trying the library?
(E) Re-searching is not searching?
(F) Tenacity?
I mostly recommend them different books, research articles, websites as well as links from which they can upload the desired literature. Now a days students are expert in downloading their stuff. students mostly face referencing issues and paraphrasing and quoting proper references but proper help and guidance in that regard will resolve the issue.