[SOLVED] Practicing Literature Searches
Practicing Literature Searches and Topic Development For this assignment, you will begin searching the literature in the general areas of work-life balance and online learning. As you develop your search, you will narrow the focus so that it includes some aspect of your specialization. For example, IT learners will probably want to delve further into literature that addresses the use of technology as it relates to work-life balance and online learning, while business learners may want to incorporate topics such as decision making, planning, and boundary or role theories. Preparation Steps To prepare for the assignment: Review Reviewing the Literature, the library guide for conducting literature reviews. Fill in the Preliminary Search Action Plan using keywords on the general areas of work-life balance and online learning. Download a PDF copy of your Preliminary Search Action Plan to include with the Unit 5 assignment. Track your search strategy using the Database Search Log and the Scholarly Research Log. Both logs are available on the More Services and Tools page of the Capella University Library. Download both completed logs to include with this assignment. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 using keywords related to work-life balance, online learning, and a topic area you have chosen from your specialization or area of interest. Assignment Instructions To complete the assignment: Describe the topic area of work-life balance, online learning, and your specialization you selected for this assignment. Identify the key search words you used in your search, including those that were rejected or nonproductive and those that yielded the best results. Evaluate the results from the keywords as they relate to the topic of your search. Develop an annotated bibliography of selected articles that emerged from the results of your search and from the discussions in Units 2, 3, 4, and 5. The annotated bibliography should be included in your assignment as an appendix. Discuss the theories, seminal works, and recent research that emerged from the results of your search and from the discussions in Units 2, 3, 4, and 5. Include in this section: An outline of a recent literature review article from a peer-reviewed journal. A description (including the theoretical constructs) of two or three theories relevant to your topic. A description of the relevant seminal works. An analysis of the predominate methodology (exploratory/qualitative or theory testing/quantitative) of the most recent research on your topic. An evaluation of the direction and methodology (quantitative or qualitative) of future research on the topic. Summarize your understanding of the existing literature on work-life balance and online learning, including: How your understanding of the relevant theory and state of knowledge on your topic has changed since you began your review of the relevant literature. A possible gap in existing knowledge that emerged for which a research study might make a substantive contribution to the existing knowledge. Reflect on the lessons learned in conducting this review of the literature, and include: A description of the processes and procedures of the literature search and literature review that enhanced your understanding of the structure of scholarly literature. A description of how your understanding of the role of theory, the foundation of seminal work, and the analysis of data-based research has contributed to your development as a PhD researcher. Credits to specific fellow learners whose contributions from course discussions pointed you in a direction you had not considered or gave you an insight or an “aha moment” that clarified an important step you have now incorporated into this assignment. Submission Requirements Your assignment should meet the following requirements: Written communication: Written communication must be grammatically correct and free of errors that detract from the overall message. Writing should be consistent with graduate-level scholarship. APA format: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting. Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point. Format: Submit four documentsthe assignment in .doc or .docx file format, a PDF copy of your Preliminary Search Action Plan, and downloaded copies of the completed Database Search Log and Scholarly Research Log. Reviewing the Literature: Synthesis and Evaluation Construct a Venn diagram that illustrates the three subtopics you will use in your assignment for this unit: work-life balance, online learning, and the subtopic you have selected based on your specialization or area of interest. Describe how you chose the subtopic in your specialization or area of interest, including references to articles from your search that support your choice. In your Venn diagram, for each subtopic include references for: Theory. Seminal or foundational work. Recent research. Briefly discuss the similarities and differences in the philosophic orientation and methodological approaches between the foundational or seminal articles and more recent literature in each subtopic area.
