In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, the ability to craft a systematic and comprehensive literature review is akin to mastering the keys to a treasure trove of knowledge. To shed light on this critical skill, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network APROPOS researchers Antoine Grenier and Hans Jakob Damsgaard hosted a remarkable seminar lecture on “How to Write a Systematic Literature Review.” The stage was graced by two exceptional researchers whose insights and expertise left an indelible mark on the eager minds in attendance.
A Glimpse into the Seminar:
The seminar was not just an event; it was an intellectual journey. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive overview of the literature review process, from inception to completion. Here are some key takeaways from the seminar:
- The Framework of a Systematic Literature Review: Both speakers emphasized the importance of creating a robust framework for your literature review. This includes defining your research question, specifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, and designing a comprehensive search strategy.
- Effective Search Strategies: The speakers delved into the intricacies of devising effective search strategies and, simply, queries to Scopes or Google Scholar. They shared tips on leveraging databases, keywords, and Boolean operators to unearth the most relevant literature.
- Critical Analysis and Synthesis: Both stressed the significance of critically analyzing and synthesizing research articles. They highlighted the importance of identifying gaps, patterns, and trends in the existing literature.
- Organization and Presentation: A systematic literature review is only as good as its presentation. The seminar provided valuable insights on how to structure and present your review for maximum impact through visual and tabular data.
The impact of the seminar was evident in the feedback from attendees. CONVERGENCE participants expressed newfound confidence in their ability to tackle literature reviews, while others praised the engaging and informative style of the speakers. It was a truly enriching experience for all involved.
Conclusion:
In a world where information is abundant but knowledge is scarce, the ability to conduct a systematic literature review is a golden skill for researchers.
CONVERGENCE Doctoral Researcher Hsiao-Chun Lin organised the event.
