A note on literature review effort adequacy in dissertation project work: a note for Housing Studies students, based on a discussion with chatgpt

A note on literature review effort adequacy in dissertation project work: a note for Housing Studies students, based on a discussion with chatgpt (accessed via poe.com)

My question 1: "I am a part-time Undergraduate Housing Studies student, currently learning to do dissertation project. On the dissertation project task of literature review, my Research Methods lecturer suggests that a dissertation project should cite around 30 references as an indication of adequacy of effort on literature review. Among these 30 references, about 15 of them should be academic references, such as academic journal articles, academic books, academic conference papers and finished dissertation reports. My question 1 is: what is the purpose of doing literature review in Housing Studies dissertation projects at the Undergraduate Degree level?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "The literature review in a Housing Studies dissertation serves several important purposes, especially at the undergraduate level:

Establishing Context: It helps situate your research within the broader field of housing studies, providing context for your specific topic. This allows readers to understand why your research is relevant.

Identifying Gaps: By reviewing existing literature, you can identify gaps in the current knowledge or areas that require further exploration, which can help justify your research question.

Building a Theoretical Framework: The literature review aids in developing the theoretical framework for your dissertation. It allows you to draw on existing theories and concepts that can inform your analysis.

Methodological Insights: Reviewing previous studies can provide insight into methodologies that have been used, helping you choose appropriate research methods for your own project.

Supporting Arguments: A well-conducted literature review provides evidence to support your arguments and conclusions, demonstrating that your research is grounded in established knowledge.

Demonstrating Scholarly Engagement: It showcases your ability to engage with scholarly work, highlighting your understanding of the field and contributing to your academic credibility.

Informing Policy and Practice: In housing studies, literature reviews can illuminate best practices and inform policy decisions, making your research relevant to practitioners and policymakers.

Overall, the literature review is a critical component of your dissertation that lays the foundation for your research, contributes to academic discourse, and demonstrates your scholarly capabilities."

My question 2 is: "Tks for clarification. My question 2: if 30 references (with about 15 being academic references) is a very rough measure on adequacy of literature review effort, what then are the criteria to assess the adequacy of literature review effort in Undergraduate Housing Studies dissertation project work?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "Assessing the adequacy of a literature review in an Undergraduate Housing Studies dissertation involves several criteria beyond just the number of references. Here are the key criteria to consider:

Relevance: The selected literature should be directly related to your research question or topic. Each reference should contribute meaningfully to your understanding of the subject.

Diversity of Sources: An adequate literature review should include a range of sources, such as academic journal articles, books, reports, and grey literature. This diversity enriches the analysis and provides multiple perspectives.

Critical Engagement: It's important to not just summarize the literature but to critically analyze it. Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing research, demonstrating your ability to engage with the material.

Thematic Organization: The literature should be organized thematically or methodologically, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of your argument. This structure also highlights connections between different studies.

Recency: Prioritize recent literature, especially for rapidly evolving fields like housing studies. However, older foundational works should also be included if they are still relevant.

Theoretical Framework: The literature should inform and support your theoretical framework, helping to position your research within existing theories and models in housing studies.

Methodological Rigor: Discuss the methodologies used in the studies you review, noting what worked well and what didn’t. This can provide insights into how to design your own research.

Citation Quality: Ensure that the academic references you include come from reputable sources. High-impact journals and well-regarded books enhance the credibility of your literature review.

Synthesis: Instead of presenting studies in isolation, synthesize the findings to highlight trends, contradictions, and evolving ideas in the field. This shows a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Clear Writing: The literature review should be clearly written, logically structured, and free from jargon. Clarity helps convey complex ideas effectively to your audience.

By focusing on these criteria, you can create a robust literature review that demonstrates thorough engagement with existing research and sets a strong foundation for your dissertation work."

My question 3 is: "If I only use 5 academic references for my Undergraduate Housing Studies dissertation project, is it prima facie evidence that my literature review effort is inadequate?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "Using only 5 academic references in your literature review might suggest that your effort is inadequate, especially if the expectation is around 15 academic references. However, it's not solely about the number; the quality and relevance of those sources are also critical. Here are a few considerations:

Depth and Relevance: If the 5 references are highly relevant, comprehensive, and provide a strong foundation for your research, they can still contribute meaningfully to your literature review.

Context of Research: If your topic is very niche or if there is limited literature available, fewer references might be acceptable. However, you should clearly justify this limitation in your review.

Critical Engagement: If you thoroughly analyze and engage with those 5 references, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material, it may mitigate concerns about quantity.

Supplementing with Other Sources: Consider incorporating a broader range of non-academic sources (reports, policy papers, etc.) to complement your academic references, though these may not carry the same weight.

Ultimately, while 5 academic references may raise questions about the adequacy of your literature review, focusing on the quality of your analysis and the relevance of your sources can help counteract potential concerns. It's advisable to discuss your approach with your supervisor or lecturer for guidance."

My question 4 is: "My Housing Studies classmate told me that her dissertation supervisor had some doubt where she has actually read the academic references she has cited in her dissertation report. To show that my classmate has actually done so, her supervisor asked my classmate to show her supervisor copies of the academic references for verification. My question is: does a dissertation supervisor have the authority to ask a dissertation student to provide copies of academic reference for this purpose?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "Yes, a dissertation supervisor typically has the authority to ask a student to provide copies of academic references. Here are some reasons why this request might be made:

Verification of Sources: Supervisors want to ensure that students have engaged with the literature they cite. Providing copies can demonstrate that the student has actually read and understood the material.

Academic Integrity: Ensuring the integrity of the research process is crucial. Supervisors may ask for verification to prevent plagiarism or the misrepresentation of sources.

Support and Guidance: By reviewing the references, supervisors can offer better guidance on how to improve the literature review or suggest additional relevant sources.

Quality Assurance: It helps maintain academic standards within the program, ensuring that students are adequately prepared and knowledgeable about their chosen topics.

If your classmate is concerned about this request, it may be helpful for her to discuss it openly with her supervisor to understand the rationale and to ensure she is meeting the expectations of the dissertation process."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.