Language focus

The review of the literature: the theoretical part

In conformity with a time-honoured tradition of scientific research, the review of the literature is intended to briefly outline the general state of knowledge about the research problem and to present the knowledge base upon which the study is built, i.e. to show clear linkages between what was known in the past about the topic and what was discovered in the present research. Thus, you are to describe briefly the history of the topic, key landmark studies which indicate the methodologies used and arguments made and show the major issues or practical problems to identify the gap you intend to look at in your research.

The major components (each having its own divisions) to be outlined are a discussion of the theoretical literature and a review of the empirical research. The theoretical part briefly covers the main theories related to the problem and explicates in depth those most useful in the study and should be connected to the part to follow.

Language focus

1. Find Russian equivalents for the following phrases.

To give a broader theoretical basis to the research
To perpetuate and refine the punch line of N’s theory
To accomplish the revision of…
To substitute an altogether different notion for the N’s concept of…
To deepen and push forward the impact of N’s perspective
To undermine traditional ideas about what is ‘natural’
To decrease the discrepancy between theory and reality.
To guide research in the problem area
To fully realize potentially important implications
N’s deviation / defection from the mainstream of science

2. Consider the following clichés – to be further used in writing your project proposal.

2.1

This part of the project proposal	will explain the search process in reviewing the literature and then examine both the theoretical and empirical studies in the field
The basis for the present study	is provided by a large body of literature on [x]
The following review	was developed through systematic way

2.2

An attempt Most/ Numerous attempts	is/are/were made is/are being made has been made	to	link together the study of… and…
give a broader (empirical and theoretical) basis to the research into
perpetuate the theory of/ refine/ modify N’s theory of…
revise the theory since NN/ accomplish the revision of…
substitute an altogether different notion for the N’s concept of…
deepen and push forward the impact of (N’s perspective)
undermine traditional ideas about
decrease the discrepancy between theory and reality
Several theories	have been advanced	explain the nature of [x]

2.3

It is	impossible /difficult	to	exaggerate / overestimate N’s contribution to [x]
exceedingly important	emphasise / realize how much (has been done)
necessary	acknowledge the extraordinary importance of the theory

2.4

The essence / punch line	which follows directly from N’s works in the field of () / of N’s approach/ of specific innovations advanced by N	could be/ is/ are/was/ were	grasped/seen/defined as/ best understood in terms of [x]/ traced to the factor of [x]/ based on [x]/ the focus of a whole series of/ fully realized later by/ undoubtedly that of
The/N’s core/ key/ central/ major/ most/ potentially important / fundamental	idea(s)/assumption/ (conceptual) scheme/ (governing) principle (in the analysis) ranges of problems/ implications
contribution to	the progress of [x]	manifests itself in… / signifies a shift in significance
influence upon	(the field of) [x]
challenge to	the idea of [x]

2.5

Theories as formulated by N/ The new/contemporary trend(s)/ concept(s)/ discipline/ approach advanced by the advocates of the theory /N’s deviation/defection from the mainstream of ()science	has exerted	a major significant/ potentially important	influence on	rationalization/ theoretical thinking about the general field [x] principles underlying the analysis
has had reflects	effect over drive towards
was (in itself) a matter of/
enormous great/decisive/ immediate	consequences/ implications for
has/have (n)	fundamental well-known
was	accepted by several generations of (successors)
became	an important concept in () and researchers adopted [x] to study
serve as	a theoretically refined basis for [x]

2.6

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14