Nature of the Literature
The broad body of literature and knowledge varies between the humanities and the sciences — and even within these disciplines. These characteristics will determine much of what you find in your own research. However, there are some common types of information sources that can be found no matter the discipline or area of research.
Research Time Frames
The subject matter and the perspective you're taking for your topic will determine whether retrospective information or contemporary information is most suitable for your research. Retrospective Information are materials with a retrospective time frame appear after an event or an idea occurs. They provide a perspective which looks back and reviews the event or idea in context. Contemporary Information materials contain information that is representative of the times in which they are written. They appear close to or at the time an event or idea first occurs and generally reflect the points of view prevalent when the materials were written.
General characteristics of the literature and scholarship:
- Focuses on the unique experience and study that the scholar brings to the products of recorded human thought and creativity, represented by original manuscripts and other primary sources
- Research is qualitative rather than quantitative
- Generally there are no "definitive" answers; direct causal relationships are not forthcoming
- Scholars strive for interpretive validity
- Scholars generally work alone, dealing either exclusively with primary sources themselves, or with the secondary literature surrounding these sources
- Methodologies follow no universally prescribed norm
- Due to the individualistic nature of the research, there is little sharing of information with colleagues before publication
- Most research appears as journal articles or books Timeliness of publication is of little consequence to the reader; reactions and debate may continue for years with no definite resolution
- Books represent a relatively large proportion of the literature, allowing for in-depth exploration of context and interpretation
General characteristics of research and scholarship:
- Study of the natural world, seeking to understand relationships that are assumed to patterned
- Objective investigation and experimentation strive to represent an understanding of generalities
- Scientists seek experimental validity; integrity of the research methodology is as important as the results
- Growth of scientific knowledge is cumulative, therefore immediacy and priority in discovery are critical
- Scientists often work collaboratively, so multiple authorships are common
- Research results are considered public domain, and are, therefore, openly shared and readily accessible
- The primary product of the literature of scientific inquiry is the journal article, being current and concise