Edp 400 - a Literature Review

Chapter 4 Discussion Summary: Literature Reviews

Group 5

California State University, Long Beach

EDP 400

Dr. Jennifer Coots

Chapter 4 Discussion Summary: Literature Reviews

        A literature review is an important part of research. According to Plano Clark and Creswell (2015), a literature review is a written synthesis of studies that show past information or research about a topic and indicates the background for a study. It summarizes and critiques the studies and reorganizes the literature into subtopics (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). To further understand the ways researchers use literature in their studies, we read and analyzed Haldenby, Berman and Forchuk’s (2007) study about homeless adolescents’ health.

According to Plano Clark and Creswell (2015), there are five common ways that researchers use literature reviews. Our group analyzed the qualitative adolescent-homelessness study by Haldenby, Berman, and Forchuk (2007) to illustrate the typical uses of literature reviews in order to gain a better understanding.

Literature reviews justify the importance of research problems (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). Lindsey found, “it is anticipated that the findings from this research can be used be assist in the development and implementation of programs and policies designed to meet the needs of homeless and adolescents” (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p. 1233) as an example that indicated the meaning of the research. Margo noted that Haldenby et al. (2007) mention that living without a home is thought to create bleak consequences for adolescents’ health, development, and overall well-being.

Literature reviews are also used to uncover what is known and what is not known about a topic (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). Here are some examples our group members found that show what is known about adolescent homelessness: "The effects of this restructuring are demonstrated through cuts to social programs and supports as well as drastic reductions to welfare and unemployment insurance. These factors have led to an increase in the number of youth living in poverty" (Haldenby et al., 2007, p. 1232). Panter-Brick (2004) stated that "Many adolescents who are homeless experience a range of physical and emotional health problems" (as cited in Haldenby et al., 2007, p. 1233). Moreover,  "There is however, little knowledge regarding how these social and political factors influence the experience of being without a home" (Haldenby et al., 2007, p. 1232) and "Missing from this body of work, however, are youths’ perceptions about homelessness" (Haldenby et al., 2007, p.1234) are the sentences that indicate the areas that need to be further explored.

Literature identifies the theory or conceptual framework of a study (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). Haldenby et al. (2007) used a critical narrative analysis research design. This approach integrates the frameworks of critical social theory and narrative inquiry. These theories guided the design of the study to explore homeless youth experiences in different contexts.

Researchers use literature to provide models for the methods and procedures they used in a study (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). Yuji thought that Haldenby et al. (2007) used narrative inquiry as the approach, since the study conducted semi-structured, narrative and dialogic interviews. Cynthia stated that as a basis for their research, Haldenby et al. (2007) cited studies that used the narrative inquiry model, including studies by Riessman (1993), and Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, and Zilber (1998).

Lastly, literature helps researchers interpret their results and findings (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015). Lindsey identified the following examples, "This study makes it clear that adolescent females have complex health needs while homeless" (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p.1241) and "More research is needed that will examine the perceptions of homeless youth" (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p.1241). Margo also found,"Missing from this body of work, however is consideration of the youths’ perceptions about homelessness" (Plano Clark & Creswell, 2015, p. 1234).

The following are summary notes our group created for the qualitative adolescent-homelessness study:

Reference:

Haldenby, A. M., Berman, H., & Forchuk, C. (2007). Homelessness and health in adolescents.
         Qualitative Health Research, 17(9), 1232-1224. doi:10.1177/1049732307307550

Research Problem:

Group members agreed on the major concerns of the homeless adolescents. Lindsey suggested to note the limited knowledge of the factors that affect the homeless adolescents. Cynthia added violence as one of the issues. The final research problem we identified was Haldenby et al. (2007) noted that even with substantial resources, many of the world’s wealthiest nations have a large number of homeless populations. These homeless adolescents experience various health-related concerns, such as homeless perception, gender-related health experiences, violence, and barriers to the health care. Haldenby et al. (2007) noted that little research has been conducted about the perceptions of homeless adolescents regarding gender and public policy. Also, there is limited knowledge regarding the cuts to social programs and supports and the reductions of welfare and unemployment along with other factors may affect homeless adolescents.