Systematic reviews of scientific literature

general courses

Please note: The individual project subject needs to be related to social sciences.

The course aims to introduce students to conducting systematic, in-depth reviews of sources, i.e. scientific literature and available research results with the use of various bibliometric and bibliographic databases as well as qualitative data analysis software, and reference and text collection managers. During the course each student will carry out an individual project - a systematic review of the literature on a selected research problem related to the master thesis or scientific interests.

A literature review is an objectified method of studying scientific literature. It revolves around a reliable summary of data obtained from as many carefully selected secondary sources as possible. It allows the researcher to address a research question with the use of clear and well-defined ways of identifying, assessing and synthesising sources. Systematic reviews of literature are essential to developing the theory and practice in many scientific disciplines, including social sciences. Sound knowledge of the field supports scientific work, including the production of master thesis, doctoral dissertations, experts analysis and academic papers.

The course aims to introduce students to conducting systematic, in-depth reviews of sources, i.e. scientific literature and available research results with the use of various bibliometric and bibliographic databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, others) as well as QDA (Qualitative Data Analysis) software, and reference and text collection managers (Mendeley, EndNote, etc.). Classes will take the form of a lecture combined with exercises. During the lecture, students will learn the procedure for conducting systematic reviews of sources and how to use bibliometric and bibliographic databases. Students will also get familiar with a selection of exemplary systematic reviews.

During the practical part, each student will carry out an individual project - a systematic review of the literature on a selected research problem, related to the prepared master thesis or scientific interests. The result of the project will be a concise (up to 5000 characters) essay pertaining to the primary research trends within a given scientific problem, usually related to the master thesis. The review protocol will present the available research results in an organised manner and identify still various research gaps. To successfully pass the course, students are expected to familiarise themselves with the assigned readings and finalise the individual assignment, which will include a literature review and the use of recommended tools as per the instructor’s requirements.

Knowledge of bibliographic databases, understanding of QDA software and literature management programs is not a prerequisite for attending the course. However, the prior determination of the thematic subject of the review is a necessary condition.

The necessary condition of attending the course is prior determination of the thematic subject of the own literature review project.

IMPORTANT: The individual project subject needs to be related to social sciences.

Obowiązkowa:

1. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review. Sage.

2. Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2008). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide. John Wiley & Sons.

Dodatkowa:

1. Czakon, W. (2013). Metodyka systematycznego przeglądu literatury. Podstawy metodologii badań w naukach o zarządzaniu, 47-67.

2. Galvan, J. L., & Galvan, M. C. (2017). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Routledge.

3. Gough, D., Oliver, S., & Thomas, J. (Eds.). (2017). An introduction to systematic reviews. Sage.

4. Mazur, Z., & Orłowska, A. (2018). Jak zaplanować i przeprowadzić systematyczny przegląd literatury. Polskie Forum Psychologiczne, 23(2), s. 235-251

5. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review. Sage.

Knowledge

Student knows and understands

-fundamental principles of knowledge transfer to the economic and social sphere as well as principles of commercialisation of results of scientific activity and of know-how related to these results (KW_05)

-methodology of scientific research (KW_01)

Skills

Student is able to

-make use of knowledge from various fields of science or from the field of arts for creative identification, formulating and innovative solving complex problems or for fulfilling investigation tasks, in particular for defining aim and object of scientific research, formulating research hypothesis, developing methods, techniques and investigation instruments as well as for their creative implementation, making conclusions based on results of scientific research (KU_02)

-make critical analysis and assessment of results of scientific research, expert activities and other creative works and of their contribution to development of knowledge (KU_01)

-plan and carry out individual and collective investigation undertakings, including in international milieu, independently plan and act for his/her own individual development and inspire and organize development of other persons (KU_07)

Competences

Student is ready to

-Critical assessment of his/her own contribution to development of a given scientific or artistic discipline (KK_06)

Preparation and presentation of the individual project- an individual systematic literature review protocol).

The instructor will evaluate students’ work following two criteria, e.g. the substantive criterium, and the ability to apply the principles of scientific writing.

Assessment will be based on work on individual protocol prepared according to the rules and templates prepared by the teacher.