Clarifying definitions

Before moving on to discussing more specific aspects of research on their topic, some authors may find it necessary to introduce and clarify concepts that are key to understanding the essence of their research. This is often done as another way to raise readers’ awareness about the importance of the topic in question. Concepts are often clarified with reference to existing sources.

Example:

Psychology

This extract starts with the authors’ definition of the key concept (economic insecurity) and moves on to providing a general overview of research that explores how economic insecurity affects people’s well-being.

Economic Insecurity Increases Physical Pain

We define economic insecurity as a state of uncertainty and unpredictability regarding one’s financial well-being; economic insecurity can manifest itself both concretely (e.g., as unemployment) and abstractly (e.g., as the possibility of future layoffs). That is, people derive their sense of economic insecurity from both their current economic situation and their perception of their future economic well-being. As a result, economic insecurity can occur across income spectrums.

Research has found that economic insecurity can cause distress outside of its direct financial effects. For instance, it can impair cognitive functioning (Mani, Mullainathan, Shafir, & Zhao, 2013), damage self-esteem (Heine, Proulx, & Vohs, 2006), and trigger counterproductive financial planning (Shah, Mullainathan, & Shafir, 2012). Economic insecurity is also associated with increased risk of various illnesses, such as psychiatric disorders and heart diseases (Catalano, 1991). In contrast, economic security is a crucial component of psychological well-being (Maslow, 1943). In short, economic insecurity takes a toll on people’s behavioral and psychological well-being.

Source: Chou, E. Y., Parmar B. L., & Galinsky, A. D. (2016). Economic insecurity increases physical pain. Psychological Science, 27(4), 443-454.

How do the authors stress the importance of their topic?

Distinguishing between some LR steps

Read the extracts (1 to 3) from the initial paragraphs of literature reviews to research articles in the fields of psychology, education, and management. The extracts are not presented in the correct order. Put the jumbled extracts in the correct order based on the plan below. Drag the extracts around in the box.

Text 1 (Source: Olatunjia, B., Wolitzky-Taylor, K., Sawchuk, C., & Ciesielski, B. (2010). Worry and the anxiety disorders: A meta-analytic synthesis of specificity to GAD. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 14, 1–24.)

1. Presenting the topic as an important research focus
2. Clarifying definitions

The nature and function of worry have been a major focus of theoretical and empirical efforts over the last several decades. Worry has been distinguished from anxiety, with research demonstrating a stronger directional relationship between worry producing anxiety, rather than anxiety producing worry (Gana, Martin, & Canouet, 2001).

Borkovec, Robinson, Pruzinsky, and DePree (1983) initially characterized worry as, “a chain of thoughts and images, negatively affect-laden and relatively uncontrollable; it represents an attempt to engage in mental problem-solving on an issue whose outcome is uncertain but contains the possibility of one or more negative outcomes; consequently, worry relates closely to the fear process” (p. 10).

Note: Every hint in group field should be enclosed with curly braces.

Text 2 (Source: Sainz, M., & Upadyaya, M. (2016). Accuracy and bias in Spanish secondary school students’ self-concept of math ability: The influence of gender and parental educational level. International Journal of Educational Research, 77, 26-36.

1. Introducing specific concepts as a focus of research
2. Clarifying definitions

Several terms (such as confidence, ability perceptions, and competence beliefs) have been used in the literature to make reference to ability self-concepts (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000).

According to the expectancy value theory of achievement motivation (Wigfield & Eccles,2002), self-concepts of ability refer to individuals’ evaluations of their competencies in different domains and the feelings of self-worth that accompany competence beliefs (Pajares & Schunk, 2005).

Note: Every hint in group field should be enclosed with curly braces.

Text 3 (Source: Anand, S., Vidyarthi, P., Liden, C., & Rousseau, D. (2010). Good citizens in poor-quality relationships: Idiosyncratic deals as a substitute for relationship quality. The Academy of Management Journal, 53(5), 970-988.)

1. Clarifying definitions
2. Providing background information

Idiosyncratic deals are voluntary, personalized, non-standard employment arrangements negotiated between a worker and an employer (Rousseau, 2005).

The process of negotiating an i-deal can take the form of a proactive behavior, as employees are generally responsible for negotiating these customized work arrangements. Proactive behaviors are increasingly prevalent in organizations and can be advantageous to both employer and employee (e.g., Grant & Ashford, 2008; Griffin, Neal, & Parker, 2007; Morrison & Phelps, 1999).

Note: Every hint in group field should be enclosed with curly braces.

Language for clarifying definitions

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