Week 2 Reflections on a the learning outcome

2014-11-28

The description on how literatures review is ‘ought’ to be conducted, that is presented in the supplementary literature[1] and in Sanders book, poses two distinct problems for my own research. First of all, I do not have a management background and neither do I intend to write my PhD for a management purpose, making it not very applicable to me. Secondly, the description of the way a literature ‘ought’ to be done is seems very much inspired by this more hard/medical science tradition, which not only is not in the tradition of my field, but I would also challenge for how useful it is in practice in a social science.  

My academic audience is that of science studies. In this ‘discipline’ there is not one theoretical paradigm that can be drawn upon as opposed to the hard or medical sciences. Therefore, systemic reviews are not only uncommon; I would also argue they are impossible in the fashion as described above. Because, each theoretical framework uses their own nomenclature, theoretical constructs, approaches and case studies are common place. Search terms are useful, but unlikely to give you an accurate description of the whole subject. It is more useful (I believe) to first outline what theoretical background might be relevant for the study at hand (see ‘new task 2’), and then read for theoretical saturation in these areas.

Here, especially for a scholar in my position (at the early stage of his research carrier) it is important to read the ‘classics’ as this is the common academic foundation everyone is building upon. Introduction books into the discipline are especially helpful. (e.g. Sismondo 2011) but even more important is correspondence with other academics. This is the reasons why I have started to network around my study subject. Because, in the interaction with these scholars, you might not get direct literature suggestion, but you learn what ‘the subject of the conversation is’ and then you can situate yourself within it. I have already done that to the extent of my knowledge so far, but I will have to do this more for my intended study.

References

Sismondo, S. (2011). An introduction to science and technology studies, John Wiley & Sons.

               

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[1] Doing a Systematic Literature Review – A Practical Guide for Management Students – Jane Hendy