INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION & IMMERSION

MODULE 4
BRIDGING THE GAP: LITERATURE SURVEY

Learning Objectives:

1. Select, cite, and properly synthesize related literature

2. Use sources according to ethical standards
3. Present a written review of related literature
4. Prepare a well-drafted and coherent review of related literature

Sources of Information in this Digital Age

Linus Pauling said “The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.”
In research, this means strengthening a research problem through a comprehensive and
intensive literature survey.

Discovery deals with realizing the concepts already found by other researchers in the field,
while advocacy focuses on understanding the limitations of past studies. Discovery involves
searching for information and synthesizing what is relevant to a proposed study, while
advocacy requires objective evaluation and constructive criticism in relation to whatever
information is useful.

A researcher takes responsibility for

 Digging deeper into the extent of the knowledge that was reported
 Checking the accuracy of that knowledge disseminated to the public and,
 Linking it to your proposed study

Sources of Information
Sources of information can be classified as follows:
1. Primary Sources: are those containing firsthand information or those that have not
been edited such as transcripts and translations
2. Secondary Sources: are those that have been checked for accuracy and proofread by
other parties. These sources may integrate annotations from another party other than
the interviewees. Examples are books, websites, lectures and presentations, journal
articles newspaper articles, indexes, databases, bibliographies and abstracts.

Interviews can be done with an expert or any individual that may have direct
knowledge of the subject matter. It can be done via e-mail, over the phone or in person.

A survey on the other hand, is more formal means of acquiring information. It enables the
researchers to acquire both qualitative and quantitative information.
Peer Reviewing is done by the editors of these publication groups or experts known in their
field or discipline.

Journal articles contain an abstract or a section that summarizes the content of the paper
including significant findings.

Databases are online repositories of various sources of information. Examples are PubChem,
ProQuest, Medline, Web of Science, Wikipedia, PubMed Central, MSDSOnline, Google and
Directory of Open Access Journals.

How do you Conduct a Literature Search?

A researcher can simply go to a library or use the Internet through which information can be
accessed within the comforts of one’s home or anywhere by simply using smartphones,
tablets, and laptops.

Which Sources Are Credible?

The credibility of the sources may be evaluated using the following criteria:
 A clear statement of objectives
 Relevance and scope of the study
 Integrity and expertise of the authors
 Suitability and reliability of the methodology
 Accuracy of results
 Appropriateness and specificity of the interpretation

Bibliography
A bibliography is a list of works on a subject or by an author that were used or consulted to
write a research paper, book or article. It can also be referred to as a list of works cited. It is
usually found at the end of a book, article or research paper.

Written Activity:
Answer the following questions. Write your answer in your notebook.

1. What are the two types of sources of information? Differentiate.

2. Distinguish the methods by which you can gather relevant information.
3. Suppose you bought an appliance. However, the manual of operation of the appliance
was not available when you bought it. Propose a way where you can get information so
that you can operate the appliance. Mention the possible sources of credible
information.

REFLECT
Do you readily believe every piece of information or news item posted on social media? How
do you filter information or news such that you rely on those from accurate and credible
sources?