What it needs to Write a Review Paper
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The document provides a comprehensive guide on how to write a good review paper, detailing its purpose, structure, and key points to consider. It distinguishes between research and review articles while outlining the importance of a critical discussion, effective title, and comprehensive literature evaluation. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for clarity, effective organization, and the identification of gaps in existing research.
What it needs to Write a Review Paper
- 1. What it needs to write a Good Review Paper? Dr. Murugananth Gopal Raj Professor & Head, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- 2. Contents What is a Review Paper? Purpose & Objective Function of Review Articles Difference between Research and Review Articles Types of Review Articles Key points to write Review Article Writing a Scientific Literature Review
- 3. What is a Review Paper? Survey of previously published research on the topic Summarizes current state of knowledge of the topic Creates an understanding of the topic for the reader by discussing the findings presented in recent research papers. Synthesizes results from several primary literature and produce a coherent argument about the topic
- 4. A critical, constructive analysis of the literature in a specific field through summary, classification, analysis, comparison A scientific text relying on previously published literature or data. New data from the author’s experiments are not presented A stand-alone publication Review Paper
- 5. Purpose & Objective Purpose – review recent progress in a particular topic Objective – Provide critical evaluation of available data
- 6. What Review Articles Do? Identify potential research areas & explore what could be done next & may draw conclusions form existing data Provide a comprehensive foundation on a topic Explain the current state of knowledge Identify gaps in existing studies for potential future research Highlight the main methodologies and research techniques
- 7. Function of Review Articles Organize Literature Evaluate literature Identify patterns and trends in literature Synthesize literature Identify research gaps and recommend new research areas
- 8. Audience of Review Articles Experts in scientific research areas Students or novice researchers Decision-makers
- 9. Difference between Research article & Review Article Research Article Review Article View Point Presents the viewpoint of the author Critiques the viewpoint of other authors on a particular topic Content New Content Assessing already published content Length Depends on the word limit provided by the journal you submit to Tends to be shorter than a research article, but will still need to adhere to word limits
- 11. Methodological Approach Narrative Best evidence Systematic Narrative Selected studies are compared and summarized on the basis of the author’s experience, existing theories and models. Results are based on a qualitative rather than a quantitative level Best Evidence A focus on selected studies is combined with systematic methods of study-selection and result exploration Systematic Findings from various individual studies are analyzed statistically by strict procedures. Meta-Analyses are used to pool the results of individual studies Methodological Approach
- 12. Objective Review Status Quo Presentation of the most current research for a given topic or field of research History Development of a field of research over time Issue Investigation of an issue (i.e. a point of disagreement or a question) in a specific field of research Theory / Model Introduction of a new theory or model in a specific field of research
- 13. Mandate reviews Invited Reviews Experienced researchers are invited Commissioned Reviews Formal contracts of authors with clients Unsolicited Reviews Researchers develop an idea for a review and submit it to journal editors
- 14. 1.Check the journal's aim and scope 2.Define your scope 3.Finding sources to evaluate 4.Writing your title, abstract and keywords 5.Introduce the topic 6.Include critical discussion 7.Summarize 8.Use a critical friend Key points to write a review article
- 15. Journal’s Read the aim and scope of the journal to which the article is being submitted Understand the aim, scope and follow it closely Few journals may not accept review articles – check it before starting to write
- 16. Define the scope of your review article and the research question you’ll be answering, making sure your article contributes something new to the field Define the scope of your review so that it is manageable, not too large or small; it may be necessary to focus on recent advances if the field is well established Angus Crake – Award Wining Author Define Your scope
- 17. Define Your scope In a systematic review on a focused question, methods of investigation used should be clearly specified. Use multiple search engines/databases so you don’t miss any important one Angus Crake Find sources to evaluate
- 18. Spend time writing an effective title, abstract and keywords Title and abstract should be clear, concise, accurate, and informative Effective title, abstract & keyword Will maximize the visibility of article online Ensure the right readers to find your research Title, abstract & keywords
- 19. Start with an overview of the topic Give some context Explaining why a review of the topic is necessary Gather research to inform your introduction Make it broad enough to reach out to a large audience of non-specialists This will help maximize its wider relevance and impact Don’t make your introduction too long Divide the review into sections of a suitable length to allow key points to be identified more easily Introducing the topic
- 20. Critical Discussion Make sure you present a critical discussion, not just a descriptive summary of the topic. If there is contradictory research in your area of focus, make sure to include an element of debate and present both sides of the argument You can also use your review paper to resolve conflict between contradictory studies
- 21. Critical Discussion Angus Crake “Once you have the core review section written, take a step back and look for common trends that emerge. Highlight key advances that have been made and areas where more focused research may lead to high impact. These are crucial to show where the field is heading, and any common pitfalls people have struggled with.”
- 22. Summarize Recapitulate the key points of various researchers Point out the gaps identified and various approaches to the problem Suggest scope for future work
- 23. Deepak Bhattacharya “You should aim to write a review that leaves a clear impression of what is ‘well understood’, and what still remains a ‘mystery’ to be solved.” Summarize
- 24. Last check – perform grammar and spell check before submission Critical friends – comment their feedback on your article If you feel that language its not good, then polish it Critical Friend
- 25. Journal’s aims and scope – Checked? Scope of your article - Defined? Evaluated Sources – using multiple search engines? Title, Abstract & keywords are prompt? Overview of the topic - available? Included future suggestions? Spelling & grammar corrections included?
- 26. Good literature review – ability to tell a story Tips to be followed: Introduce the topic Take the reader on journey Don’t deviate Don’t take the reader for granted – start from the basics Gradually unravel the intricacies Writing a scientific literature review
- 27. Tips to be followed: Simplify the language Present broad picture to the reader Develop interesting story line Engage the reader Critically analyze the findings earlier Be confident Highlight the gaps Fine tuning of literature review
- 28. Every research article differs by findings & interpretations Review papers indirectly hints the gaps Review should be written to give clear impression of “What is well Understood?” & “What still remains Mystery?” Highlighting the gaps
- 29. Use simple language Use referencing software Get the correct outline Include high quality images Understand the filed Top tips to write review paper
- 30. Phases of writing literature paper
- 31. Pre-Writing Phase Use multiple search engines and collect information Be organized and use referencing software Focus on advancements of the filed and define the scope Introduce the topic even to a layman Define the key points to be addressed Divide into sections & subsections
- 32. Be concise, include only relevant matters & highlight key findings Analyze critically and highlight advances made Discuss the pros & cons of advances Write a positive outlook, encourage & inspire for more research Proof read it – look with fresh mind Writing Phase
- 33. • Title • Abstract • Keywords • Introduction • Body • Subsection 1 • Subsection 2 • …….. • …….. • …….. • Subsection n • Conclusion • Literature cited Elements of a Review paper
- 34. Function Helping readers to decide whether they should read the text or not. Includes terms for indexing (e.g. in data bases). Elements The title must be informative: • The title has to include important terms • It has to indicate that the text is a review article • It may include the message of the article, not just its coverage The title must be short: • Keep the title concise • A longer subtitle may be an option in case a specification is necessary TITLE
- 35. Elements The title must be informative: • The title has to include important terms • It has to indicate that the text is a review article • It may include the message of the article, not just its coverage TITLE - EXAMPLE Ex: A Review of Emerging Way to Enhance the Durability and Strength of Concrete Structures: Microbial Concrete Important Terms Describes the article as Review article Message Covered
- 36. Tense Present tense -stresses the general validity of the results and illustrates what the author is trying to achieve with the article Past tense - indicates that results are not established knowledge yet Citation None Length 8 to 12 Words TITLE
- 37. Function Informs about the main objectives and result of the review article (informative abstract) or indicates the text structure (descriptive abstract) Elements Informative abstract - for systematic and best evidence reviews 1) Objectives: One or two sentences describe the context and intention of the review. 2) Material and methods: One or a few sentences provide a general picture of the methodological approach 3) Results: A few sentences describe main outcomes 4) Conclusions: One or two sentences present the conclusion (which is linked to the objectives) Descriptive abstract - for narrative reviews - Description of subjects covered without specific details. A descriptive abstract is like a table of contents in paragraph form ABSTRACT
- 38. Informative Abstract Subjects’ car clocks were set ten minutes fast in order to determine if deliberately setting a clock ahead will reduce lateness. One group of subjects knew their clocks had been set ahead, while a second group of subjects was not informed of the change. Over a four-week period, the subjects who were aware of the clock change regularly arrived on time or late for their scheduled appointments. Over the same period of time, the subjects who were unaware of the clock change tended to arrive early or on time for their appointments. Data suggest that intentionally setting a clock to run fast does not reduce lateness because one accounts for that extra time in his or her schedule.
- 40. ABSTRACT Tense Descriptive Abstract - Present Tense Informative Abstract: Objectives – Present Tense Materials, methods & Results – Past Tense Conclusion – Present Tense Citation None Length 200 to 250 Words
- 41. Function Provides information about the context, indicates the motivation for the review, defines the focus, the research question and explains the text structure Elements Elements of a three paragraph introduction 1) Subject background - The general topic, issue, or area of concern is given to illustrate the context 2) “Problem” - Trends, new perspectives, gaps, conflicts, or a single problem is indicated 3) Motivation/justification - The author’s reason for reviewing the literature, the approach and the organization of the text are described INTRODUCTION
- 42. Concrete is most widely used construction material used all over the world and usually considered as indestructible because of their longer service life as compared with the most constructional products. However, they can get destroyed for a variety of reasons including the material limitations, design gaps and construction practices, as well as exposure conditions. Continuous exposure of hard weathering leads to an increase of the porosity of concrete and as a result, the mechanical features decreases. It is known that the durability of concrete is related to the characteristics of its pore structure Subject Background Degradation mechanisms of concrete often depend on the way potentially aggressive substances can penetrate into the concrete, possibly causing damage. The permeability of the concrete depends on the porosity and on the connectivity and /or structure of the pores. The more open the pore structure of the concrete, the more vulnerable the material is to degradation mechanisms caused by penetrating substances. The deterioration of concrete structures usually involves movement of aggressive gases and/or liquids from the surrounding environment into the concrete, followed by physical and/or chemical reactions within its internal structure, possibly leading to irreversible damage. Problem . Although many chemical and physical treatments have been applied to decrease the susceptibility to damage, these treatments are not fully useful because of their non reversible action and their limited long term performance. Motivation / Justification
- 43. INTRODUCTION Tense Present (use past tense for the description of your methods and your results) Citation Many Length Between 10% and 20% of the core text (introduction, body, conclusions) Note Make sure to have a narrow focus and an explicit research question. Indicate these two points clearly in the introduction. Give theoretical or practical justifications for the need for a review
- 44. Function Systematic and best evidence reviews have a methods section. This section enables motivated researches to repeat the review. Narrative reviews do not have a methods section but should include some information about applied methods at the end of the introduction. Elements The material and methods section contains for example information about: data sources (e.g. bibliographic databases), search terms and search strategies, selection criteria (inclusion/exclusion of studies), the number of studies screened and the number of studies included, statistical methods of meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS
- 45. Microbial Concrete various types of Bactria Materials Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) Metabolism Methods Stages of MICP
- 46. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tense Past Citation Few (e.g. to statistical analyses or software used) Length Approx. 5% of the core text (introduction, body, conclusions) Note Make sure that data sources are clearly identified. Precision has first priority in the material and methods section
- 47. Section Structure A coherent structuring of the topic is necessary to develop the section structure. Subheadings reflect the organization of the topic and indicate the content of the various sections. Possible criteria for structuring the topic are: • methodological approaches • models or theories • extent of support for a given thesis • studies that agree with another versus studies that disagree • chronological order • geographical location Paragraph Structure Cover one idea, aspect or topic per paragraph. Avoid referring to only one study per paragraph; consider several studies per paragraph instead. MAIN PARTS OF A REVIEW ARTICLE
- 48. MAIN PARTS OF A REVIEW ARTICLE Links Frequently link the discussed research findings to the research question stated in the introduction. These links create the a thread of coherence in your review article. Link the studies to one another. Compare and discuss these relationships. Tense Present - reporting what another author thinks, believes, writes, reporting current knowledge or information of general validity, e.g. It is believed… Simple Past - referring to what a specific researcher did or found, referring to a single study, e.g. They found… Present Perfect - referring to an area of research with a number of independent researchers involved, e.g. They have found… Length 70 – 90% of the core text (introduction, body, conclusions)
- 49. MAIN PARTS OF A REVIEW ARTICLE Citations Citations are usually indirect but in some cases pointed and relevant remarks might be cited directly. • Non-integral references (indirect): The author’s name, or a number referring to the reference list, appears in brackets. Non-integral references emphasize the idea, result, theory etc. rather than the person behind it (Ridley 2008). Most references in biology are non-integral. • Integral references (direct): The author’s name has a grammatical function in the text. As Ridley (2008) points out this type is appropriate to emphasize the contribution of a specific author. Note Make sure to organize the different pieces of information into a line of argument. An appropriate organization of information is all important for the quality of a review Throughout it is important that the idea/topic (paragraph 3 of the Introduction) drives the article and not the literature used; write an idea- driven, rather than literature-driven article!
- 50. Function Answer the research question set in the introduction Elements Implications of the findings Interpretations by the authors (kept separate from factual information) Identification of unresolved questions Tense Present: summarizing and drawing conclusions Present perfect: referring to an area of research or a body of literature CONCLUSIONS
- 51. Many researchers have recorded the benefits of microbial concrete which includes the enhancement of compressive strength, reduction in permeability and reinforced corrosion in construction materials. The use of microbial concrete in Civil Engineering has become increasingly popular. Implications of the findings Microbial concrete technology has proved to be better than many conventional technologies because of its eco- friendly nature, self-healing abilities and very convenient for usage. Interpretations by the authors . More work is required to improve the feasibility of this technology from both an economical and practical viewpoints Identification of Unresolved Problem
- 52. CONCLUSIONS Citation Few or more Length 5% to 10% of the core text Note Make sure to have a clear take home message that integrates the points discussed in the review. Make sure your conclusions are not simply a repeat of the abstract!
- 53. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Function Expresses gratitude to people who helped with the literature search, the structuring of the material or in the writing process (but whose contribution is too small to justify co-authorship). Expresses gratitude to funding organization and specifies the funding program (often required by funding agencies). Tense Present (past tense when referring to funding agencies in terminated projects)
- 54. We acknowledge the kind support extended by Dr. C. C. Gavimath by providing pure bacterial culture and required guidance during the work Gratitude to People I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ahalia School of Engineering & Technology and Ahalia School of Paramedical Sciences, Palakkad for providing the facility for the current research. Gratitude to Organization
- 55. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Citation None Elements Full names of people and their specific contributions to the project are given. The name of the funding agency and program as well as the grant number
- 56. REFERENCES Function Shows interested readers how to find the literature mentioned in the text. Acknowledges the work of other scientists. Compulsory to avoid charges of plagiarism Length A range between 50-100 references is in most cases appropriate.
- 57. REFERENCES Elements Include every reference cited in the text. Do not include additional references. Avoid internet sources. If internet sources must be used, find the original source for the internet reference, check it has been correctly cited and cite it directly. Note For narrative reviews the inclusion of all relevant, high quality studies is the target. Systematic and best evidence reviews need explicit criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of studies from which they got the data.
- 58. Good Literature Review Outcome of literature review