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The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success

• Edition: Third Edition
• By: Lawrence A. Machi & Brenda T. McEvoy
• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication year: 2016
• Online pub date: January 16, 2024
• Discipline: Sociology , Criminology and Criminal Justice , Business and Management , Communication and Media Studies , Education , Psychology , Health , Social Work , Political Science and International Relations
• Methods: Literature review , Research questions , Populations
• DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781071939031
• Keywords: population Show all Show less
• Print ISBN: 9781506336244
• Online ISBN: 9781071939031
• Buy the book icon link

Subject index

From daunting to doable in six steps Graduate students who turn in exceptional literature reviews are recognized as excellent critical thinkers, as well as masters of academic argumentation, research writing and writing academic papers. But literature searches and composing the review itself can be intimidating and frustrating. The six-step process pioneered by this book has made the task flowing and seamless for masters and doctoral candidates in Education and related fields. This updated third edition features a wealth of all-new content including:  • A flowchart that graphically illustrates Machi and McEvoy’s process.  • Reflective Oversight boxes in each chapter that prompt readers to direct metacognitive activities.  • Links to online guides and resources.  • Expanded examples illustrating theoretical concepts. When you apply this system to your next literature review the work will be intuitive and enjoyable for you, and the results will impress your teachers and fellow researchers. Editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides offer complete flexibility for creating a multimedia presentation for the course:  Slides - Introduction to The Lit Rev  Slides - Step 1 - Select a Topic  Slides - Step 2 - Develop Tools of Argumentation   Slides - Step 3 - Search the Literature  Slides - Step 4 - Survey the Literature  Slides - Step 5 - Critique the Literature  Slides - Step 6 - Write the Thesis “The Literature Review clearly walks educators through the steps to completing a literature review with helpful checklists and graphic representations of the process. It makes a very daunting task much more manageable and systematic.” Andrea M. Capizzi Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN “This text is the best guide yet for our dissertation students. The format provides the learner with the framework to think about each step of the literature review process. This thorough and practical guide will provide candidates with the scholarly application that they require to think about their research.” Barbara J. Poling, Interim Dean College of Education and Organizational Leadership, University of La Verne

Front Matter

• Literature Review Flowchart
• Acknowledgments
• About the Authors
• Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review
• Chapter 1: Step One: Select a Topic
• Chapter 2: Step Two: Develop the Tools of Argumentation
• Chapter 3: Step Three: Search the Literature
• Chapter 4: Step Four: Survey the Literature
• Chapter 5: Step Five: Critique the Literature
• Chapter 6: Step Six: Write the Review
• References and Further Reading

Back Matter

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The Literature Review Six Steps to Success

• Lawrence A. Machi - University of La Verne, USA
• Brenda T. McEvoy - Independent Writer/ Researcher
• Description

Selecting a topic

Searching the literature

Developing arguments

Surveying the literature

Critiquing the literature

Writing the literature review

The second edition includes key vocabulary words, technology advice, and additional tips on when and how to write during the early stages—including the use of journals and memoranda—to make the literature review process a success.   Preface New to This Edition

"If I had known about this book when I began working on my dissertation, it would have saved me at least a full year and much, much consternation! The clarity and organization with which this book is written make it a tremendous and exceptionally user-friendly asset to anyone who is serious about presenting clear, well thought-out research."

"This is the one book a graduate level student in education will be able to use from cover to cover. It provides the perfect roadmap for the successful completion of an outstanding literature review. It should be a required text for all students attempting to complete a literature review."

" The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success is a must-have for both novice and experienced researchers. The authors provide a roadmap as researchers journey from inquiry to argument for advocacy. If a strong literature review is the foundation for a successful thesis or dissertation, Machi and McEvoy offer the building blocks for that foundation."

"This book provides invaluable support for graduate students in writing a literature review. The authors provide a clear, straightforward model for taking a researchable idea and transforming it into a research study. I have already recommended this text to all of my doctoral students!"

"Every graduate student would benefit from reading this text on how to do a literature review and working through the questions to refine their own work. This is a concise, logical and very well written tool for graduate students and their advisors."

Excellent book. My students find it easy to read and follow, and they wind up producing excellent reviews.

good organization Paperback Cheap for students to buy

Recommended for beginner researchers based on level of experience, university decided not to adopt at this time (conserving costs for students)

This textbook was the most

recent edition. I had used the

older copy previously

The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success was a great supplementary

paperback that assisted my graduate students in understanding the process

for developing and writing their literature review that pertained to a self-selected

topic in the area of special education. The six steps that are given in this paperback

provide the framework for a graduate student to begin organizing the information

(i.e., research articles) that is needed to write a quality literature review.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Step 1. Select a Topic

For instructors

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The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success Fourth Edition

Purchase options and add-ons.

The essential guide―updated, expanded, and easier to use than ever.

This pioneering book has provided countless graduate students and researchers with a road map to a quality literature review. Using its six-step model, you’ll narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic―and, of course, write the review. The fourth edition features:

• New and improved graphics ideal for visualizing the process
• More explanations and tips, especially for writing in the early stages
• An expanded range of learning tools
• Additional reflection sections to direct metacognitive activities
• Four new reference supplements
• ISBN-10 1071852906
• ISBN-13 978-1071852903
• Edition Fourth
• Publication date January 3, 2022
• Language English
• Dimensions 7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• Print length 264 pages
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

The strengths of The Literature Review include visuals, graphic organizers, checklists, practice activities, chapter structure, and glossary.

About the Author

Lawrence A. Machi is a Professor Emeritus of Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne, in La Verne, California. He holds an MA in curriculum development and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership. He has taught research methods and design and has chaired doctoral dissertation research in addition to teaching classes in organizational development. He has extensive experience in higher education, and prior to his tenure at La Verne, he taught in schools of education at the University of San Francisco, St. Mary’s College of California, and Sonoma State University. Dr. Machi has served as a Fulbright Specialist and recently completed his third assignment in Taiwan at National Chung Cheng University, where he currently serves as a visiting professor.

With K–12 experience as well, he has worked as a secondary teacher and served as a school administrator in both secondary and elementary school districts in northern California. He has occupied the roles of vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, frequently consulting with many California school districts and nonprofit organizations. His specialties are in the areas of organizational leadership, finance, negotiations, organizational development, and strategic thinking.

Brenda T. McEvoy taught high school English, history, and science for 36 years. Research skills were always part of her curriculum. For eight years, she worked for the California State Department of Education, leading groups of educators in improving their ability to edit and assess student writing. She has also served as a mentor for beginning English and history teachers. Participation in the California Writing Project extended her knowledge of writing and the difficulties students face when producing a major assignment. She has worked as an editor for several books, focusing on helping writers create work that is clear and logical.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Corwin; Fourth edition (January 3, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1071852906
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1071852903
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• #11 in Research Reference Books
• #13 in Education Research (Books)
• #506 in Unknown

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About the author

Lawrence a. machi.

Lawrence A. Machi is a professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne. He teaches research methods and design and chairs doctoral dissertation research in addition to teaching classes in organizational development. Machi has extensive experience in higher education, having taught in schools of education at the University of San Francisco, St. Mary's College of California, and Sonoma State University prior to his tenure at the University of La Verne.

Machi has also been a K-12 educator, having worked as a secondary teacher and served as a school administrator in both secondary and elementary school districts in Northern California. He has held the roles of vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Machi has consulted with many California school districts and nonprofit organizations over the years. His specialties have been in the areas of finance, negotiations, and organizational development. He holds an MA in curriculum development and an EdD in organizational leadership.

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• Literature Review Flow Chart Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review Key Vocabulary Introduction Overview The Purpose of a Literature Review The Literature Review Defined The Literature Review Process Mindset: Personal Dispositions on Thinking, Doing, and Deciding The Ethics of Reviewing the Literature Reflective Oversight Plan Wisely Before You Begin Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 1: Select and Define a Topic Key Vocabulary Chapter Overview Task
• 1. Identify a Subject for Study Task
• 2. Translate the Personal Interest or Concern Into a Research Query Task
• 3. Link the Research Query to the Appropriate Discipline Task
• 4. Write the Preliminary Research Topic Statement Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation Key Vocabulary Chapter Overview Concept
• 1. Building the Case for a Literature Review Concept
• 2. Arguments-the Basics Concept
• 3. Evaluating the Basic Parts of an Argument Concept
• 4. Understanding Claims Concept
• 5. Building Evidence Concept
• 6. Warrant-Logically Connecting the Evidence to the Claim Concept
• 7. Complex Claims Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 3: Search the Literature Key Vocabulary Chapter Overview Task
• 1. Select the Literature to Review Task
• 2. Conduct a Literature Search Task
• 3. Refine Your Topic Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 4: Survey the Literature Key Vocabulary Chapter Overview Task
• 1. Assemble the Collected Data Task
• 2. Organize the Information Task
• 3. Analyze the Patterns of Data Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 5: Critique the Literature Key Vocabulary Chapter Overview What Is a Literature Critique? Concept
• 1. Making the Case for the Literature Review Concept
• 2. Descriptive Argument Patterns: Factual Reasoning Concept
• 3. Implicative Argument Patterns: Implicative Reasoning Concept
• 4. The Implicative Argument: Nine Basic Patterns Concept
• 5. Backing Doing a Critique of the Literature: Building the Advocacy Argument Task
• 1. Determining the Implicative Logic Pattern Inferred by the Topic of Study Task
• 2. Reframe Claims to Meet the Prerequisite Conditions Identified by the Selected Logic Type Task
• 3. Build the Advocacy Argument Concept
• 6. Fallacies Concept
• 7. The Case Is Everything Summary Checklist Reflective Exercise
• 6: Write the Review Key Vocabulary The Writing Process: Overview Task
• 1. Write to Understand Task
• 2. Write to Be Understood Style Manuals Checklist Reflective Exercise Last Words Supplements Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review Supplement B Literature Review 101 Supplement C Writing a Journal Supplement D SQRRR Glossary References and Further Reading Index.
• (source: Nielsen Book Data)

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The Literature Review Six Steps to Success

• Lawrence A. Machi - University of La Verne, USA
• Brenda T. McEvoy - Independent Writer/ Researcher
• Description

The essential guide—updated, expanded, and easier to use than ever.

Creating a successful literature review can be a daunting task, which is why so many researchers have relied on previous editions of this book to make the process more manageable. Using the six-step model, you’ll work seamlessly to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic—and, of course, write the review.

Updated, expanded, and reorganized to improve ease of use, the fourth edition of this bestselling handbook includes:

• New and improved graphics ideal for visualizing the process
• More explanations and tips, especially for writing in the early stages
• An expanded range of learning tools
• Additional reflection sections to direct metacognitive activities
• Four new reference supplements

This pioneering book has provided countless graduate students and researchers with a road map to success. Its model takes you through the logical progression needed for producing a quality literature review—while taking the mystery out of the process.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

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This book is clearly outlined with easy-to-understand steps supported by wonderful visuals. The key vocabulary, tips section, and checklist all provide tremendous support to any reader wanting to take the needed steps to write a meaningful literature review. This book provides sections that are concise and to the point, making it very easy for readers to skim and refer back to as needed. I commend the authors for presenting such a complex task with so much simplicity. The exercises provided are a great resource for the reader, as well as to a professor who wants to use this book as a text and assign the exercises as class activities . . . I will be sharing this book with colleagues and recommending it to my graduate students. I will also be considering how I can incorporate this book into classes that I teach.

The strengths of The Literature Review include visuals, graphic organizers, checklists, practice activities, chapter structure, and glossary.

Major strengths are the detail and explicitness of the narrative. Everything is spelled out and there are lots of graphics to present a visual support for the content. The book does not skip anything but also does not talk down to the reader.

Clear, thorough, accessible, easy to read with good examples. Love the mapping in Step Three! The authors do an excellent job of discussing ideas, strategies, and tips. Logical, clear, and helpful conclusions are made throughout.

There is a clear framework for critically thinking about and applying a 6-step process for conducting a literature review . . . Unlike any other book, it provides a deep dive examination of how to approach and complete a high-quality literature review via a systematic critical thinking process.

Excellent for all stages of studying

I have recommended this text, particularly for my research project students. This is a brilliant guide for students doing research for the first time.

Used as a text for Research literacy in educational leadership and policy. An excellent resource for learning about literature review.

Very informative but a little too high for the level taught.

More apt for final year and postgrad courses.

Machi & McEvoy do a great job breaking down the literature review. The 4th edition offers some additional exercises, reading strategies, and helpful supplements.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Step 1: Select and Define a Topic

Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation

For instructors

Select a purchasing option.