Currently writing my literature review for my master’s thesis, and honestly, it’s tougher than I expected. I’m struggling to clearly explain the methods used in the studies. The most difficult thing is to compare and critically analyse them. I am also trying to follow the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure feels like running in circles — every time I think I’ve made progress, I realize I haven’t moved forward at all.
It’s frustrating, and at times it’s draining my motivation. Has anyone else felt like this during their thesis writing? How did you manage to break the cycle and move forward with clarity?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Comments
accountability buddies help me a lot. We have a working group that meets three times a week for two hours where we set goals and work towards them. Then at the end of the two hours we hold each other accountable.
The guilt helps me. LOL.
But more so, it’s supportive peers helping each other out and hearing the frustrations.
Regarding the explanation of the methods used in the studies, try breaking things down more and simplifying them. If you don’t know what something is or how it works, stop and find that information first. If you have a brain connection where you go “wait this is different than these other dudes” list that right away.
Try comparison lists on the same metrics, for example have studies at the top and then the primary things you need to compare and start filling it in. That visual might help you to see how things may need to be grouped.
Spend some time organizing your information and clarifying it for yourself, then it will be easier to see where the gaps are and what information you may still need to sort out or elaborate on.
Lit review is super annoying no matter how you slice it. It took me the longest. However, what might be the issue is that you aren’t sure what the story is you’re telling? The way you want to discuss and structure your literature for your thesis is going to be dependent on what story you’re telling. I can know a million things about a million studies, but if they aren’t all part of the same story then it’s not helpful. So:
-What is the “story” you are telling, and what does the literature need to illustrate or demonstrate in order to justify your research question/approach/and data methods.
-What main points do you need to hit in order to tell that story.
-Organize the research you’ve been reading by concepts.
-Summarize the points of the studies you need to touch on.
-Don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s overwhelming.