Article summary

Bremner (2006) argues that although there is a significant correlation between the level of English proficiency and the use of specific learning strategies there is not enough evidence to suggest that the relationship between strategy and proficiency is causative.

Swales and Feak unit 4

This unit deals with data commentary that will arise from encountering data in the form of tables and graphs. For me in particular this kind of commentary will be unavoidable because of the way I intend to execute my thesis. Either analyzing data from studies or surveys I intend to conduct, or by using information gained form the work of others, sound rational commentary will be the goal. The article points out that being able to comment effectively on data will underscore the researcher’s own objective, perceptive and interpretive skills. Relaying in words what the numbers themselves present is not sufficient, more importantly we should be able to draw reasonable conclusions from the numerical information.
The art seems to be in making statements that are not too strong and at the same time not completely inoperative. I think it is a delicate undertaking not to overstate or understate insights that may be exposed by available data. Once again the Swales article is very useful in providing guidance as to the best way to accomplish efficacy tempered with being “confidently uncertainty” (Swales & Feak, 1994, p86). I suspect though that quite a lot of practice is required before this skill becomes easier. The background the reading provides and the exercises in it, does however provide a helpful start.

Response to Anderson and Kanuka

Certainly this article is extremely relevant and useful. The internet with its endless and unprecedented supply of and access to, information will be the strongest source I use to collect and collate the literature review for my thesis. As Anderson and Kanuka (2003) point out, the literature review “is both a process and a product” (p.39). As a product it belies the structure and the foundations that the thesis rests upon and as a process the literature review is consulted, amended and elaborated on throughout.
While the internet has unlimited access to information at exceptional (relative to any period before) speed, much of the information is unedited or for other reasons not suitable for the purposes of academic writing. The danger then lies in how to insure that while using this goldmine of resources that the quality of the review is not compromised.
Accessibility, timeliness, readability, relevance and authority are the five elements that are required form information sources (Kibirige & Depalo, 2000). The internet has improved the efficiency in all five fields and Anderson and Kanuka make practical suggestions for “evaluating and authenticating net-based information” (p. 43-45). Using their guidelines (and also common sense) a sound, through and competent literature review can be obtained.
It seems almost impossible to conduct a literature review without the use of the internet.
The poor, tormented souls of academics that lived before its invention.