Research Report
Literature Review and
Documentation
Taught by Dr. Sng Bee Bee • Singapore Bible College
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Coming up with a conceptual
framework for your research
1. Referring to
the book of
Acts, list the
characteristics
of discipleship
2. Referring to
the book of
Acts, list the
characteristics
of evangelism.
In your lists, tick the ones which you can apply
to your research topic.
2
How does your list match with the
list below?
A disciple is:
A
learner
 An individual’s obedience to master leader
 A learner attached to the master’s tradition and teaching
 A learner attached to Jesus’ spirit and way of life
 Emphasizes teacher-learner relationship
 Living out Jesus’ teaching in love in the community
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A conceptual framework
Attitude Obedience
Relationships
Discipleship
Way of Life
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What is a theory?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A theory:
Is an accumulated body of knowledge, written by
acknowledged experts
Informs ‘state-of-the art’ concepts and innovations
Is a body of work where inconsequential or misleading
ideas can be filtered out
Represents knowledge that should be viewed critically
and rejected when incompatible with practice
Adds interest and intellectual stimulation to a project
Guides the execution of research methodology
Source: Adapted from Gill and Johnson, 2002, in Gray, D.E. (2009), Doing Research in the Real World (2nd ed.). London:
Sage
A Conceptual Framework

How would you combine your
discussion points on the biblical
characteristics and what writers
write about ‘discipleship’ and
‘evangelism’ into a model that you
can use in your research?
How to Apply Theory to Empirical Phenomena
Source:https://www.soc.washington.edu/undergraduate/soc-writing-center-info-papers-applying-soc-theories-or-perspectives


1.
2.
Theory application assignments require you to
look at empirical phenomena through the lens of
theory.
Ask yourself:
What would the theory predict ("have to say")
about a particular situation.
According to the theory, if particular conditions
are present or you see a change in a particular
variable, what outcome should you expect?
For instance, take ‘discipleship’
and ‘evangelism’. Discuss in group
The senior
group
The youth group
What does
evangelism/discipleship
mean to the age groups
in your church? How do
you apply your model?
The young adults
group
Children
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Steps in Writing the Theory Application Assignment
Source:https://www.soc.washington.edu/undergraduate/soc-writing-center-info-papers-applying-soc-theories-orperspectives
Step One:
 Make certain you understand the theory
 You should be able to state the theory (the
author's main argument) in a sentence or two.
 Specify the causal relationship (X—>Y) or
the causal model (which might involve
multiple variables and relationships).
Describing causal relationship. In group, discuss the
causal relationship according to the diagram below…
Church
Leaders
Church
Members
Jesus
Pre believers
New
Converts
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Step Two: Applying Theories
Source:https://www.soc.washington.edu/undergraduate/soc-writing-center-info-papers-applying-soc-theories-or-perspectives
You may be asked to specify the following:
 Causal Mechanism: a detailed explanation about how X—>Y, often made at a
lower level of analysis (i.e., using smaller units) than the causal relationship.
 Level of Analysis: Macro-level theories refer to society- or group-level causes and
processes; micro-level theories address individual-level causes and processes.
 Scope Conditions: These are parameters or boundaries specified by the theorist
that identify the types of empirical phenomena to which the theory applies.
 Assumptions: Most theories begin by assuming certain "facts." These often
concern the bases of human behaviour: for example, people are inherently
aggressive or inherently kind, people act out of self-interest or based upon values,
etc.
 Theories vary in terms of whether they specify assumptions, scope conditions
and causal mechanisms.
Test your understanding of terms used
to describe theories


The social learning theory proposed by Albert
Bandura has become perhaps the most
influential theory of learning and
development. While rooted in many of the
basic concepts of traditional learning theory,
Bandura believed that direct reinforcement
could not account for all types of learning.
His theory added a social element, arguing
that people can learn new information and
behaviors by watching other people. Known
as observational learning (or modeling), this
type of learning can be used to explain a wide
variety of behaviors.
1. What are the parameters of
the theory?
Meaning of ‘parameters’: limits
or boundaries; guidelines: the
basic parameters of our
foreign policy. 5.
characteristic or factor;
aspect; element: ...
2. What are the facts that this
theory assumes?
3. What is the causal relationship
that this theory seeks to
explain?
4. What does this theory seek to
explain at macro and micro
levels of analysis?
Step Three: Understand the Theory
Source:https://www.soc.washington.edu/undergraduate/soc-writing-center-info-papers-applyingsoc-theories-or-perspectives



Clearly understand all the parts of a theory
Ensure that you are applying the theory correctly to your
case. For example, you can ask whether your case fits the
theory's assumptions and scope conditions.
Single out the main argument or point (usually the causal
relationship and mechanism) of the theory. Does the
theorist's key argument apply to your case? Students
often go astray here by latching onto an inconsequential
or less important part of the theory reading, showing the
relationship to their case, and then assuming they have
fully applied the theory.
Group Activity on Writing Literature
Review

Examine 3 Research Papers related to your
Research Topic
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Example- Concepts of Missions



One source - friendship varies across cultures,
making culture
Learning essential to the pursuit of personal
relationships across cultures.
Another source –
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Bringing Texts in Dialogue with Each
Other



In your group, write one paragraph bringing
the 3 texts in dialogue with one another and
write the evaluation as well as your comments
on the views presented by the texts
Present your writing in class
In writing literature review of a research paper
this is what you do: bring the texts in dialogue
with one another and present your views
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Consider the different types of
perspectives
Types of Texts
Objective/
subjective
Information –
deep/superficial,
Scanty/detailed
How they can be
used in research
Articles in Websites
Popular magazines
like Christianity
Today
Research Articles
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Evaluating information in Reading
Articles
Types of Texts
Claims
Assumptions in the Agreement with
claim
arguments or
Fallacies in
Arguments
Articles in Websites
Popular magazines
like Christianity
Today
Research Articles
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What is a ‘Literature Review’?



‘re-view’ = to go through something and examine it
closely
‘literature’ = information that is already available
Therefore, ‘literature review’ = to examine thoroughly
information that is already available on the topic; i.e.
those published work by researchers in that field.
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Literature reviews
Why have a literature review in a research
report?
&
&
&
&
LRs are important in showing that you are familiar
with work done in your area.
LRs are integral in providing authoritative support
for your own work & lending credibility.
LRs help pave the way towards your own research
(creating niche/revealing gaps)
LRs are important in establishing framework for
your own research.
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The Literature Review
The LR is an organized collection of “references” or “citations”
 Functions:
 Continues the process started in the background of giving
your readers information needed to understand your study.
 Assures readers that you are familiar with important
research that has been carried out in your area
 Establishes your study as one link in a chain of research that
is contributing to knowledge in your area
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Step 4: Writing your LR - Organization
of the Literature Review
1.Overview
General info.; Link to Objective(s);
Claim(s)
2.Review
Support/Evidence Summary or paraphrasing of
other people’s work
Your Comment(s)
3.Conclusion
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Write an outline of key areas
that form your research topic
THESE KEY AREAS WILL
BECOME THE HEADINGS IN
YOUR LITERATURE REVIEW
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Writing your LR
Step 1: Find relevant readings.
Step 2: Organize your readings according to time,
themes/topics, importance.
Step 3: Read & take notes.
Step 4: Write the LR and add your own views about
the ideas presented by others (critical review).
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Six Strategies for Analyzing Sources
Writing Analytically, Chapter 14
Strategy 1: Make your sources speak
Strategy 2: Attend carefully to the language of your
sources by quoting or paraphrasing
Strategy 3: Supply ongoing analysis of sources
Strategy 4: Use your sources to ask questions, ot just to
provide answers
Strategy 5: Put your sources into conversation with one
another
Strategy 6: Find your own role in the conversation
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Reading Articles Critically


Report to the group the information in your
reading and its relevance to your research
topic
Examine the information critically based on P.
181 of the Handbook
1. Overview
What is an Overview ?
A general statement/statement of fact leading to the
rest of your discussion in this section of your
report. This will give the reader an idea of the kind
of works that will be discussed in the chapter.
e.g. This literature review will focus on the different
studies done on transnational crimes.
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2. Review: Claims
What has been done before in this area ?
You need to make some claims about the current research scene in
your area of study.
e.g. Research on the benefits of e-learning has been carried out over the last 10 years and elearning has been implemented in schools more extensively than ever before.
You need to support your claims with relevant research done in
your particular area of study.
You can either paraphrase or summarize previous works.
Sometimes, you can add a direct quote if the words are
important and you want to use the exact words used by the
author.
You also need to evaluate and present your own views about the
works you are referring to.
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2. Review: Support and evidence
The review can be organized in many ways. Here are some tips:

Find a focus. What themes or issues connect your sources
together? Do your sources present one or different solutions?
How well do your sources present the material? Do your
sources reveal a trend in the field? A gap? A debate?
Do not list your sources and describe each one in detail.

Construct a working thesis statement.
Argue for a particular perspective on the material.
Ex: The current trend in treatment for congestive heart failure
combines surgery and medicine.
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2. Review

Consider organization





Most distantly related to most closely related – sort the
information from the less related ones to the most related ones.
Chronological – sort the sources in order of year (or importance).
Thematic – sort the material in themes or topics covered.
Methodological– make a comparison of works according to
different methodologies, techniques or issues.
Be selective: Select only the most important
points in each source to highlight in the
literature review.
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Structure of LR
Inverted Triangle
Broad
Define key concepts/terms
Discuss key knowledge presented by key
scholars in topics
Raise key issues/questions
Focus on the issues in your region; country
Develop a closer focus on your research
question
Specific
Discuss the key issues; questions and factors in
your research question
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Structure of LR
Example: What challenges do Christians in India face in their spiritual
growth?
Inverted Triangle
Broad
Specific
Define key concepts/terms – ‘spiritual growth’
Discuss key knowledge presented by key scholars in
the topic of spiritual growth
Raise key issues/questions about spiritual growth in
general
Focus on the issues about spiritual growth of
Christians in Asia and India.
Discuss economic; social; spiritual and political
factors that may influence spiritual growth of
Indian Christians
Discuss the state of spiritual growth of Indian
Christians: the good points, the areas that need
improvement; some common misunderstanding
about spiritual growth. Highlight the need for
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research in this area.
Structure of LR – Now write an outline of your LR
using the inverted triangle method
Inverted Triangle
Broad
Specific
Define key concepts/terms
Discuss key knowledge presented by key scholars in
topics
Raise key issues/questions
Focus on the issues in your region;
country
Develop a closer focus on your research
question
Discuss the key issues; questions
and factors in your research
question
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3. Conclusion





What is missing from the previous
research ?
What does your study plan to achieve?
In the conclusion of the literature review, point to
the gap in the research done that needs to be
addressed.
Also, refer to what your study is going to be about.
This conclusion signals the end of the Literature
Review.
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VERBS FOR SIGNAL PHRASES
Author is
Neutral
Author infers or Author argues
suggests
Author is
uneasy or
disparaging
Comments
Describes
Explains
Illustrates
Notes
Observes
Points out
Records
Relates
Says
Sees
Thinks
Writes
Analyzes
Asks
Assesses
Concludes
Finds
Predicts
Proposes
Reveals
Shows
Speculates
Suggests
Supposes
Belittles
Bemoans
Complains
Condemns
Deplores
Derides
Laments
Warns
Claims
Contends
Defends
Disagrees
Holds
Insists
Maintains
Author agrees
Admits
Concedes
Concurs
Grants
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Shortcomings in Student’s LRs
L
L
L
L
Students fail to use recent literature.
Students are unable to critically
assess existing literature.
Students fail to link the LR to
hypotheses or research questions.
Students interpret the readings
(literature) incorrectly.
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End-of-text Documentation:
The Reference List

End-of-text documentation
conventions are detailed here.
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References
Anantha Krishnan, L., Jong, R., Kathpalia, S. and Tam, M.K. (2006).
Engineering your report: From start to finish (2nd Ed.). Singapore:
Pearson Education Asia Pte. Ltd.
APA (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association, 5th ed.,, Washington D.C.: American Psychological
Association.
Leo Finkelstein, Jr. (2005). Pocket Book of Technical Writing for
Engineers and Scientists, New York: McGraw-Hill.
MLA (1999). Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (5th ed.). New
York: The Modern Language Association.
Sorby, Sheryl A. and Bulleit, William M. (2006). An Engineer’s Guide to
Technical Communication, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Weissberg R., & Buker, S. (1990). Writing up research: Experimental
research report writing for students of English. Englewood Cliffs, N.
J.: Prentice Hall Regents.
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