Directions:The
purpose of this assignment is to acquaint you with writing a literature review
and assist you in developing your research skills.Students will evaluate the quality of the journal
articles included in the annotated bibliography and expand the quantity of
journal articles thereby developing the depth necessary to produce a scholarly
literature review that can be integrated into your research project paper for
this class.

Your evaluation will include a minimum of 7 references.The references can include internet journals,
books, and peer-reviewed journals.This
assignment is due the end of WEEK 9, and should include the following:

1.
Introduction: Relevant to your research area, provide a
description, summary, and critical evaluation of each of work (work = journal
articles, books, internet references). The purpose is to offer an
overview of significant literature published on a topic.

2. Components: Similar to
primary research, development of the literature review requires four stages:

• Problem formulation— what is the problem or field
  being examined and what are its component or relevant issues? An overview
  of the subject, issue or theory under consideration, along with the
  objectives of the literature review.
• Literature search—finding materials relevant to
  the subject being explored. Dividing
  the works under review into two (2) categories (e.g. those in support of a
  particular position, those against, and those offering alternative theses
  entirely).
• Evaluation—determining which literature makes a
  significant contribution to the understanding of the topic. Explanation of how each work is similar
  to and how it varies from the others.
• Analysis and interpretation—discussing the findings
  and conclusions of pertinent literature. Identify potential areas of
  future research. Discuss which literature provides the strongest argument,
  the most convincing opinion, and makes the greatest contribution to the
  understanding and development of their area of research.

In assessing
each piece, consideration should be given to:

• Provenance— Are the author’s arguments supported
  by evidence (e.g. primary historical material, case studies, narratives,
  statistics, recent scientific findings)?
• Objectivity—Does the author’s perspective suggest
  an even-handed or prejudicial assessment? Is contrary data considered or
  is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author’s point?
• Persuasiveness—Which of the author’s thesis (argument)
  are most/least convincing?
• Value—Are the author’s arguments and conclusions
  convincing? Does the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to
  an understanding of the subject?