Knowledge and Inquiry · JC 2 · The Independent Study Project (ISP) · 4.º Período

Literature Review and Methodology Design

Teach students how to critically review existing literature and design an appropriate methodology for their specific research question. Focus on synthesizing diverse academic perspectives.

TL;DR:Literature Review and Methodology Design is the 'engine room' of the ISP. Students learn to navigate academic databases to find credible sources and, more importantly, to synthesize these sources into a coherent conversation. This isn't just a summary; it's a critical evaluation of the existing 'knowledge landscape.' This aligns with SEAB KI AO2 and the ISP requirement for a critical review of literature. Students must identify gaps in current knowledge and justify why their chosen methodology is the best way to address their question.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• SEAB KI ISP Requirement: Critical review of literature
• SEAB KI AO2: Justify the chosen research methodology

About This Topic

Literature Review and Methodology Design is the 'engine room' of the ISP. Students learn to navigate academic databases to find credible sources and, more importantly, to synthesize these sources into a coherent conversation. This isn't just a summary; it's a critical evaluation of the existing 'knowledge landscape.' This aligns with SEAB KI AO2 and the ISP requirement for a critical review of literature. Students must identify gaps in current knowledge and justify why their chosen methodology is the best way to address their question.

In the Singapore context, students are encouraged to use a mix of global academic perspectives and local case studies. Designing the methodology involves deciding whether to use a philosophical analysis, a comparative study of texts, or a small-scale social science investigation. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can 'pitch' their methodology and receive feedback on its feasibility and rigor.

Key Questions

1. How do we evaluate the credibility of academic sources?
2. What methodology best suits our research question?
3. How do we synthesize different perspectives in a literature review?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

A literature review is just a series of book summaries.

What to Teach Instead

Students often write 'Author A says X, Author B says Y.' Active 'Source Mapping' helps them see that a review should be a 'thematic' synthesis, where they group authors by their arguments and show the relationship between them.

Common Misconception

I should only include sources that agree with my thesis.

What to Teach Instead

Students often fall into confirmation bias. Through the 'Methodology Pitch,' they learn that a high-scoring ISP must engage with 'counter-arguments' and diverse perspectives to demonstrate a balanced and critical inquiry.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Source Mapping

Groups are given five diverse sources on a single topic (e.g., a blog post, a peer-reviewed journal, a news article). They must map out the 'conversation' between these sources, identifying where they agree, disagree, and what 'knowledge gaps' remain.

50 min·Small Groups

Role Play

The Methodology Pitch

Students play the role of a researcher pitching their methodology to a 'grant committee' (their peers). They must justify why their chosen method (e.g., discourse analysis) is more appropriate for their KI question than an alternative method.

40 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

Synthesis Success

Display examples of 'summary-style' vs. 'synthesis-style' literature reviews. Students move around with highlighters to identify the 'connective tissue', the phrases that show how the researcher is linking different authors' ideas together.

35 min·Whole Class

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a summary and a synthesis?

A summary tells the reader what each source says individually. A synthesis combines multiple sources to identify themes, trends, or conflicts in the field. In a KI literature review, synthesis is essential because it shows you understand the broader 'epistemological landscape' of your topic.

How can active learning help students design their ISP methodology?

Active learning, like the 'Methodology Pitch,' forces students to defend their choices. When they have to explain *why* an interview is better than a survey for their specific question, they are forced to think about the epistemological assumptions of each method. This peer-to-peer defense surfaces potential flaws in their plan early on, saving them time during the actual research phase.

How many sources do I need for a good ISP?

There is no fixed number, but a typical JC 2 ISP uses 15 to 25 high-quality sources. The focus should be on the *quality* and *relevance* of the sources rather than the quantity. A mix of foundational philosophical texts and recent academic papers is usually best.

What does it mean to 'justify' a methodology?

Justifying a methodology means explaining why your chosen approach is logically sound and appropriate for your research question. You must address the limitations of your method and explain how you will ensure the reliability and validity of your findings from an epistemological standpoint.