We're two months in to 2021, and it may still be giving 2020 vibes but that's okay. Each challenge is a learning opportunity, like writing Chapters 2 and 3 of my dissertation. This post will provide tips that have worked for me as I progress through my dissertation's literature review and research methodology chapters.

Reviewing Literature

This is the least favorite part of working on my dissertation, reading constant articles that may be relevant to my study. When I say "may be relevant," I mean that not every article will have information that is applicable to my study (i.e., target population, research design, data analysis). However, it is an ongoing process, and my biggest suggestion when looking for additional scholarly resources is to review the article's reference section. This method has helped me find more relevant articles and text books that can be used to straighten my scholarly writing. Although this method has worked for me, I'm still 13 pages short of the minimum page requirement for Chapter 2, and it's a bit frustrating.

Next step(s): Re-reading what I currently have for my literature review and searching for scholarly references that may contribute to my study.

Finding Themes in Literature

As you read through the literature, make notes on themes you find. This will be helpful as you continue to read through other articles, while making note of what trends you find. For example, a trend I've found in my literature is the racially or ethnically underrepresented groups in predominantly White academic institutions, along with underrepresented gender groups in academic spaces. I make a spreadsheet to help me organize and incorporate it into my writing for the literature review.

Color Code

I like to color code my findings in the literature to apply within my reading, specifically for themes that have been presented. Color coding can also be beneficial when working on the different practical implications and limitations of the prior research designs and the current study as you write. For me, this helps with the organization of my findings and applying what was found under the appropriate sections, themes or headings in to my writing.

The literature review has been the hardest chapter I've written (so far), but these methods have helped me structure the flow of the chapters I am writing. Organization has been key to writing my dissertation chapters. Additionally, I copy and paste my chapter in to Grammarly Premium to review grammar and punctuation, and edit as I review before sending to my Chair.

I hope what works for me helps you all in your writing, whether it be academic or not!

- Candace