Facilitator: Mrs. Wilma Vaz, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Psychology, St. Agnes College (Autonomous); Guest Lecturer, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru
The Department of Psychology organized a Workshop on Review of Literature: Scoping Review on 18th July 2024 for postgraduate students and faculty. The objective of the session was to equip participants with essential skills and strategies for conducting effective literature reviews, with a special focus on scoping reviews.
The workshop began with an insightful introduction by Mrs. Wilma Vaz, who emphasized the importance of literature reviews in academic research. She provided a detailed step-by-step guide covering:
• Defining the scope of a literature review
• Approaches to conducting and reviewing literature
• Types of literature reviews
• Developing effective search strategies
• Critically analyzing scholarly sources
Practical demonstrations were also conducted using academic databases and tools such as the PRISMA checklist, enabling participants to understand systematic approaches to reference management and review writing.
The session was attended by faculty members and postgraduate students from the Departments of Psychology and Clinical Psychology. The methodology combined interactive presentations, hands-on exercises, and group discussions, encouraging participants to actively identify relevant literature and apply theoretical frameworks to their own research topics.
Key Highlights
• Detailed steps for conducting and reviewing literature.
• Distinguishing between primary and secondary sources.
• Practical tips on database navigation and search techniques.
• Emphasis on synthesizing information and avoiding plagiarism.
Participants appreciated Mrs. Wilma Vaz’s clear explanations, practical insights, and engaging teaching style. The hands-on exercises were particularly valued for their relevance to students’ ongoing research projects. The workshop was highly successful in achieving its objectives of enhancing participants’ literature review competencies. By bridging theory with practical application, the session empowered students with valuable skills that will significantly strengthen the quality of their research work.
