In order to produce a project proposal you need to know what work has already been done in that area by undertaking a literature review, that provides you some research questions/aims with a contextual framework. In essence it should:
· Summarise what has already been written about the topic
· Evaluate current research associated with your research questions
· Highlight current controversies or differences of opinion in the area
· Indicate where your research topic fits into this area of knowledge
In writing the literature review it is important to direct the discussion and argument in such a way that rationalises and informs the project and its direction. The literature review provides a strong reason for undertaking the proposed study and suggests the direction of the development project work. It should also extend to the provision of a theoretical or conceptual framework of the area being discussed.
It should be about 3000 words and, generally speaking all literature reviews have an introduction, a body and a conclusion, as follows:
Introduction:
In the introduction you should:
· Provide a background to the topic
· Describe why you are attracted to this area of knowledge
· State the themes that you will be using to research the area
Research Questions
· Formulate 3 research questions
Body:
In the body you should:
· Divide the literature review into sections that respond to your research questions
· Compare and contrast the existing literature to highlight areas of debate
· Develop the themes that you have outlined in the introduction making sure that you point out the relationship between your proposed research and the research that has already been completed
Literature Review Conclusion
In the conclusion, you should:
· Provide a summary of the major contributions to your field of intended study
· Point to the controversies in the research field and any gaps or inconsistencies, also in the research methodology. Indicate how your research topic will address these problems
· Summarise the reasons why your proposed research is worth doing
References:
All the articles and books and other materials such as films, TV programs, websites, etc. you refer to in your literature review either by word-for-word quotation, paraphrase or just by title should be included
Presented in accordance with ECU/APA guidelines