CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Literature Review in Communication Studies
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2023
Pages: 224
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2023
Pages: 250
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Communication scholars must be inquisitive, seek answers, synthesize information, and make educated decisions – similar to being a detective.
The authors of CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Report utilize the CSI theme to provide the reader with a step-by-step process of conceptualizing, finding sources, reading research, and writing in Communication Studies.
CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Report teaches an inquisitive, open-minded orientation toward finding answers to the types of questions posed in Communication Studies, ultimately helping the reader:
- Become a literate information consumer: to understand how to find, read, interpret, and evaluate information.
- Develop problem-solving skills that will help them navigate the rich information environment we live in today.
- Think critically about information in source content by looking for trends, inconsistencies and areas of ambiguity, organize ideas and develop a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument.
- Synthesize and paraphrase evidence clearly, concisely, and correctly
Preface
About the Authors/Dedication
Introduction: The Professional Value of Research and Writing Skills
The Importance of Researching Skills in the Digital Information Age
Learning Objectives for this Text
Information Literacy
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Writing and Communicating Your Research
Ethics
Introduction to the 10 Steps
References
STEP 1 Asking Questions
A. Research Within a Context
B. Choose Interesting and Relevant Concepts and Variables
1. Concepts and Variables in Social Science Research
2. Understanding the Jargon: Know What Your Variables are Called in Research
3. Determine if There is a Theory to Help Focus Your Topic
Example Resources to Learn about Theories
C. Pose an Interesting, Important Question
1. Types of Questions: Fact, Value, and Policy
D. Define Target Variables
1. Independent and Dependent Variables
2. Reportative, Stipulative, and Operational Definitions
References
Activities
Example Mind Map from Canva ©
Example Researcher Profile Slide
STEP 2 Finding Evidence in the Academic Literature
A. Understanding the Quality and Types of Sources Available
1. Evaluating Sources
2. Types of Sources
B. Searching for Sources
1. Finding Academic Research
2. Using Your Library to Find Print Sources
3. Searching the Internet
References
Activities
Example Completed Step 2
Appendix
STEP 3 Read Sources Closely and Take Notes
A. How to Read Academic Sources
1. Reading Books: What to Look For
2. Reading Academic Research Articles and Book Chapters that Report Research Studies: What to Look For
B. Writing an Annotation
1. Summarizing and Paraphrasing
2. Writing a Reference in APA Style
Example Journal Article References
Example Book Chapter References
Example Book References
Website reference
Example Website References
Example Online Article References
C. Examples
References
Activities
Annotation Worksheet
STEP 4 Organize What You Know from Previous Research
A. What is Synthesizing Evidence?
B. Why is Synthesizing Necessary? Focus on What’s Important
C. A Componential Approach to Synthesizing Related Articles
1. Why Use a Componential Method?
2. How to Conduct a Componential (Key Components) Analysis
3. A Componential Synthesizing Example
D. A Directed Approach to Synthesizing When Your Paper is Guided by a Theory
1. Why Use a Directed Approach?
2. How to Conduct a Directed Analysis
3. An Example Directed Analysis
References
Activities
STEP 5 Outline the Case You’ve Built for Your Study
A. Writing a Compelling Introduction
B. Developing Your Argument
1. The Toulmin Model
C. Citing Sources: A Basic Overview
1. Types of In-Text Citations
2. APA Rules for In-text Citations
D. Organizing Main Points
1. The Topical Review: Explaining and Critiquing the Concepts, Findings, or Methods
2. The Comparison/Contrast Review: Comparing Different Explanations
3. The Chronology of Research: Historical Reviews
4. The Sequential Process: Explaining a Sequence of Events or Outcomes
5. The Cause-Effect Approach: Explaining a Direct, Causal Process
6. The Direct Argument: Arguing for a New Theory or Specific Policy
E. Using Transitions
F. Writing an Effective Conclusion
References
Example Literature Review Outline
Activities
STEP 6 Write up Your Summary of Previous Research
A. Using Your Outline and Annotations to Write the Paper
B. Start Your Paper by Creating Headings for Each Section
C. The IDEA Approach to Writing: Introduce, Define, Explain, Apply
D. Formatting the Paper
1. Spaces and Spacing
2. The Title Page
3. Running Head and Page Numbers
4. The Abstract
E. Grammar and Syntax
1. Active versus Passive Voice
2. Avoiding Bias in Language
3. Parallel Form and Tense
4. Subject-Verb Agreement
5. Choosing the Correct Words
F. Punctuation
1. Commas
2. Colon (:) Versus Semicolon (;)
3. Quotation Marks
4. Apostrophes
G. Clarity
1. Parenthetical Elements
2. Prepositions
3. Terminology
H. Being Concise
1. Wordiness
2. First, Second, and Third Person Pronouns in APA Writing
References
Activities
STEP 7 Concluding the Summary and Writing Hypotheses and Research Questions
A. Writing the Summary Conclusion of Previous Research: Takeaways and Unanswered Questions
B. Comparing Research Questions and Hypotheses
C. Writing Hypotheses
D. Writing Research Questions
References
Activities
STEP 8 Describe the Method of Your Study
A. Who: Writing About Your Sample
B. How: The Method and Study Procedure
C. What: Measures and Protocols
D. Why: Justification from Previous Research
References
Activities
STEP 9 Write Your Research Results
A. Formatting Your Results Section
B. Restating Hypotheses and Research Questions
C. Presenting Your Findings
D. Using Visuals to Summarize Your Findings
E. Drawing Conclusions
Summary
References
Activities
STEP 10 Write Your Discussion Section and Conclusion
A. Summarizing Results and Linking to Previous Research
B. Limitations and Directions for Future Research
C. Concluding the Paper
Example Discussion Section
References
Activities
STEP 11 Edit Your Research Report
A. Academe and Peer Review
B. Faculty Mentors
C. Tracking Reviews
1. Using Track Changes and The Reviewing Pane in Microsoft Word
2. Editing in Adobe PDF Documents
D. The “Three Read Rule”
1. Read for APA Style
2. Read for Formatting and Organization
3. Read for Grammar, Punctuation, Voice, and Syntax
References
Activities
STEP 12 Present Your Research Report
A. Poster Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
B. Panel Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
C. Individual Lectures/Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
D. Online Presentations
1. Tips for Delivering Synchronous Presentations Online
2. Tips for Delivering Asynchronous Presentations Online
3. Some Great Examples of Online Presentations
References
Activities
Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture.
Dr. Ferris is an Assistant Professor of Communication at The University of Akron Wayne College. She enjoys studying the effects of television on viewers, as well as the impact of new media use, including social networks and mobile phones. Her research has been published in the Journal of Communication, Computers in Human Behavior, and the Ohio Communication Journal as well as in edited books on mobile phone use, the political climate after 9/11, and prosocial behavior on television. Dr. Ferris also enjoys serving as the Assistant Editor for the Ohio Communication Journal as well as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Communication, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and the British Journal of Education, Society, & Behavioural Science.
CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Literature Review in Communication Studies is the best book I have come across so far dedicated to helping PhD students in Communication become better writers.
The "common mistakes" boxes are EXACTLY the types of common mistakes my PhD students make and it was such a relief to see a book that addresses these! The "helpful hints" are extremely thoughtful and pragmatic. It is as if the authors read my students' papers and KNEW that they don't include transitional sentences and don't use commas properly and don't know what a run-on sentence is! The book addresses all of these and more in such a clear and useful manner. It is extremely well-organized. Much of this is in STEP 6 - that entire chapter is pure gold!
The section on how to write the various sections of a lit review is extremely clear and useful (and could apply to writing any scholarly paper or article, not just lit reviews). The discussions regarding writing a meaningful Introduction and Conclusion are particularly good.
In short, this book is truly "one stop shopping" for the Communication student in need of writing guidance (which is MOST of them).
Regina Marchi, Ph.D. | Associate Professor
Rutgers University
New Second Edition Now Available!
Communication scholars must be inquisitive, seek answers, synthesize information, and make educated decisions – similar to being a detective.
The authors of CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Report utilize the CSI theme to provide the reader with a step-by-step process of conceptualizing, finding sources, reading research, and writing in Communication Studies.
CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Research Report teaches an inquisitive, open-minded orientation toward finding answers to the types of questions posed in Communication Studies, ultimately helping the reader:
- Become a literate information consumer: to understand how to find, read, interpret, and evaluate information.
- Develop problem-solving skills that will help them navigate the rich information environment we live in today.
- Think critically about information in source content by looking for trends, inconsistencies and areas of ambiguity, organize ideas and develop a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument.
- Synthesize and paraphrase evidence clearly, concisely, and correctly
Preface
About the Authors/Dedication
Introduction: The Professional Value of Research and Writing Skills
The Importance of Researching Skills in the Digital Information Age
Learning Objectives for this Text
Information Literacy
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Writing and Communicating Your Research
Ethics
Introduction to the 10 Steps
References
STEP 1 Asking Questions
A. Research Within a Context
B. Choose Interesting and Relevant Concepts and Variables
1. Concepts and Variables in Social Science Research
2. Understanding the Jargon: Know What Your Variables are Called in Research
3. Determine if There is a Theory to Help Focus Your Topic
Example Resources to Learn about Theories
C. Pose an Interesting, Important Question
1. Types of Questions: Fact, Value, and Policy
D. Define Target Variables
1. Independent and Dependent Variables
2. Reportative, Stipulative, and Operational Definitions
References
Activities
Example Mind Map from Canva ©
Example Researcher Profile Slide
STEP 2 Finding Evidence in the Academic Literature
A. Understanding the Quality and Types of Sources Available
1. Evaluating Sources
2. Types of Sources
B. Searching for Sources
1. Finding Academic Research
2. Using Your Library to Find Print Sources
3. Searching the Internet
References
Activities
Example Completed Step 2
Appendix
STEP 3 Read Sources Closely and Take Notes
A. How to Read Academic Sources
1. Reading Books: What to Look For
2. Reading Academic Research Articles and Book Chapters that Report Research Studies: What to Look For
B. Writing an Annotation
1. Summarizing and Paraphrasing
2. Writing a Reference in APA Style
Example Journal Article References
Example Book Chapter References
Example Book References
Website reference
Example Website References
Example Online Article References
C. Examples
References
Activities
Annotation Worksheet
STEP 4 Organize What You Know from Previous Research
A. What is Synthesizing Evidence?
B. Why is Synthesizing Necessary? Focus on What’s Important
C. A Componential Approach to Synthesizing Related Articles
1. Why Use a Componential Method?
2. How to Conduct a Componential (Key Components) Analysis
3. A Componential Synthesizing Example
D. A Directed Approach to Synthesizing When Your Paper is Guided by a Theory
1. Why Use a Directed Approach?
2. How to Conduct a Directed Analysis
3. An Example Directed Analysis
References
Activities
STEP 5 Outline the Case You’ve Built for Your Study
A. Writing a Compelling Introduction
B. Developing Your Argument
1. The Toulmin Model
C. Citing Sources: A Basic Overview
1. Types of In-Text Citations
2. APA Rules for In-text Citations
D. Organizing Main Points
1. The Topical Review: Explaining and Critiquing the Concepts, Findings, or Methods
2. The Comparison/Contrast Review: Comparing Different Explanations
3. The Chronology of Research: Historical Reviews
4. The Sequential Process: Explaining a Sequence of Events or Outcomes
5. The Cause-Effect Approach: Explaining a Direct, Causal Process
6. The Direct Argument: Arguing for a New Theory or Specific Policy
E. Using Transitions
F. Writing an Effective Conclusion
References
Example Literature Review Outline
Activities
STEP 6 Write up Your Summary of Previous Research
A. Using Your Outline and Annotations to Write the Paper
B. Start Your Paper by Creating Headings for Each Section
C. The IDEA Approach to Writing: Introduce, Define, Explain, Apply
D. Formatting the Paper
1. Spaces and Spacing
2. The Title Page
3. Running Head and Page Numbers
4. The Abstract
E. Grammar and Syntax
1. Active versus Passive Voice
2. Avoiding Bias in Language
3. Parallel Form and Tense
4. Subject-Verb Agreement
5. Choosing the Correct Words
F. Punctuation
1. Commas
2. Colon (:) Versus Semicolon (;)
3. Quotation Marks
4. Apostrophes
G. Clarity
1. Parenthetical Elements
2. Prepositions
3. Terminology
H. Being Concise
1. Wordiness
2. First, Second, and Third Person Pronouns in APA Writing
References
Activities
STEP 7 Concluding the Summary and Writing Hypotheses and Research Questions
A. Writing the Summary Conclusion of Previous Research: Takeaways and Unanswered Questions
B. Comparing Research Questions and Hypotheses
C. Writing Hypotheses
D. Writing Research Questions
References
Activities
STEP 8 Describe the Method of Your Study
A. Who: Writing About Your Sample
B. How: The Method and Study Procedure
C. What: Measures and Protocols
D. Why: Justification from Previous Research
References
Activities
STEP 9 Write Your Research Results
A. Formatting Your Results Section
B. Restating Hypotheses and Research Questions
C. Presenting Your Findings
D. Using Visuals to Summarize Your Findings
E. Drawing Conclusions
Summary
References
Activities
STEP 10 Write Your Discussion Section and Conclusion
A. Summarizing Results and Linking to Previous Research
B. Limitations and Directions for Future Research
C. Concluding the Paper
Example Discussion Section
References
Activities
STEP 11 Edit Your Research Report
A. Academe and Peer Review
B. Faculty Mentors
C. Tracking Reviews
1. Using Track Changes and The Reviewing Pane in Microsoft Word
2. Editing in Adobe PDF Documents
D. The “Three Read Rule”
1. Read for APA Style
2. Read for Formatting and Organization
3. Read for Grammar, Punctuation, Voice, and Syntax
References
Activities
STEP 12 Present Your Research Report
A. Poster Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
B. Panel Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
C. Individual Lectures/Presentations
1. Purpose
2. Organization
3. Delivery Style
4. Visual Aids
D. Online Presentations
1. Tips for Delivering Synchronous Presentations Online
2. Tips for Delivering Asynchronous Presentations Online
3. Some Great Examples of Online Presentations
References
Activities
Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture.
Dr. Ferris is an Assistant Professor of Communication at The University of Akron Wayne College. She enjoys studying the effects of television on viewers, as well as the impact of new media use, including social networks and mobile phones. Her research has been published in the Journal of Communication, Computers in Human Behavior, and the Ohio Communication Journal as well as in edited books on mobile phone use, the political climate after 9/11, and prosocial behavior on television. Dr. Ferris also enjoys serving as the Assistant Editor for the Ohio Communication Journal as well as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Communication, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and the British Journal of Education, Society, & Behavioural Science.
CSI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Literature Review in Communication Studies is the best book I have come across so far dedicated to helping PhD students in Communication become better writers.
The "common mistakes" boxes are EXACTLY the types of common mistakes my PhD students make and it was such a relief to see a book that addresses these! The "helpful hints" are extremely thoughtful and pragmatic. It is as if the authors read my students' papers and KNEW that they don't include transitional sentences and don't use commas properly and don't know what a run-on sentence is! The book addresses all of these and more in such a clear and useful manner. It is extremely well-organized. Much of this is in STEP 6 - that entire chapter is pure gold!
The section on how to write the various sections of a lit review is extremely clear and useful (and could apply to writing any scholarly paper or article, not just lit reviews). The discussions regarding writing a meaningful Introduction and Conclusion are particularly good.
In short, this book is truly "one stop shopping" for the Communication student in need of writing guidance (which is MOST of them).
Regina Marchi, Ph.D. | Associate Professor
Rutgers University