T-DTH2

Goal: Refine chapter 1 and then turn the proposal’s literature notes into a rigorous, well-structured Chapter 2 and an explicit theoretical framework (Chapter 3) that clearly justify the study’s questions, concepts and hypotheses.

Key deliverables (end of T-DTH2)

• Complete Chapter 2: Literature Review (Introduction; Search strategy; Conceptual, Empirical, Theoretical reviews; Gap summary).
• Complete Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework (explicit model(s), diagram(s), propositions).
• Annotated bibliography of core 25–50 sources (Zotero or chosen reference manager).
• Literature map (visual) linking concepts to research questions.
• Updated methods appendix draft listing potential instruments and sampling frame.

Step-by-step checklist

1. Refine search strategy
   • State databases, keywords, date range, inclusion/exclusion criteria.
   • Save search strings and PRISMA-style log of screened items.
2. Organize literature into streams
   • Conceptual definitions & boundaries.
   • Empirical findings (sorted by region/method/sample).
   • Theoretical approaches (compare alternatives).
3. Write Chapter 2
   • Start with a short orientation paragraph, then move from broad to specific.
   • Integrate critique and synthesis: don’t just summarize—show how studies relate/conflict and what remains unknown.
   • Conclude with a succinct “Gaps and research opportunity” section that directly links to your research questions.
4. Develop Chapter 3
   • Select 2-3 primary theoretical lenses (justify why they’re the best fit) and use others for support.
   • Provide a conceptual diagram showing causal paths/relationships.
   • State explicit propositions/hypotheses (if applicable).
5. Produce the annotated bibliography & literature map
   • For each key source: 3–4 lines (purpose, method, finding, relevance).
6. Supervisor review
   • Provide tracked draft + one-page summary of changes since proposal.
   • Request a focused meeting: 30–60 minutes to settle framework and core references.

Practical writing & style tips

• Use the university’s Turabian/footnote style exactly (consistent spelling and reference formatting).
• Keep literature sections thematic (not author by author).
• Always end sections by linking to the research question(s).
• Avoid speculative overreach — call out uncertainties and boundaries.

Quality assessment rubric (for T-DTH2)

• Coverage (30%): Are major relevant works covered and recent literature included?
• Synthesis (30%): Does the chapter show integration and critical analysis?
• Theoretical fit (20%): Is the chosen framework clearly motivated and operationalized?
• Clarity & formatting (10%): Language, citations, diagrams.
• Supervisor feedback incorporation (10%): Evidence of iterative improvement.