Undertaking a Literature Review

Dr Christopher Hart, University of Chester

This session is about doing a search and review of the literature for your research proposal and subsequent research project. We will map out the different sources and resources which can be used to find relevant research, ideas and theories.  We will then go on, using examples, to look at what makes for a competent review, occasionally stopping on the way to think about methodological assumptions and their consequences.  The session will be part talk, part demonstration and part hands-on, with plenty of time of questions and discussion about your research.

Chris Hart is currently at the University of Chester. He has held academic posts with Manchester, Salford, Birmingham City University and written learning materials for the Open University.  Chris has written several textbooks on research including Doing a literature review University) and Doing your masters dissertation (Sage).  Recent publications include, The legacy of the Chicago school of sociology(2010), Talcott Parsons: Theory, development, and applications, Essays examining the relevance of Parsonian theory in the 21st Century (2009), and Heroines and Heroes: symbolism, embodiment, narratives and identity (2008).  He has been research director for a number of national and international projects funded by public and commercial organizations.  In 2006, Chris was research director for the largest private study of a community of interest (fans) ever undertaken, covering the European trading zone, across 12 countries, five currencies and 800,000 respondents (funded by European motor manufacturers Mercedes, BMW and Audi).  Chris is currently working on a number of books including an analysis of the landmark 1984 Apple MacIntosh commercial, Mrs Miniver and propaganda and a second edition of Doing a literature review. Chris may be contacted at: c.hart@chester.ac.uk