Is It Wise to Replicate a Literature Review for Multiple Dissertations?

Academia's stringent standards often discourage the replication of literature reviews across multiple works, yet some argue that it might be necessary or even beneficial in certain circumstances. This article delves into the rationale behind such practices and explores the ethical considerations surrounding the reuse of scholarly literature.

Why Would Anyone Want to Write Two Dissertations?

The idea of authoring multiple dissertations may seem perplexing to many, yet there are valid reasons why someone might pursue this path. In academic circles, a dissertation often serves as a stepping stone towards a broader research field or a higher academic title, such as a habilitation. A habilitation is a post-doctoral qualification in some countries, requiring a more in-depth exploration of a specialized area.

Academic Integrity and Duplicate Work

Despite the potential benefits, academic institutions are heavily vested in maintaining high levels of integrity. The duplication of scholarly work, even if it is related, is generally frowned upon. This is because academic research is expected to contribute unique insights and push forward the boundaries of existing knowledge. Reusing the same literature review not only undermines the originality of the work but also risks compromising the integrity of the research process.

The Nature of Literature Reviews

A literature review is a crucial component of any academic dissertation. It offers a comprehensive and critical analysis of the existing research related to the chosen topic. The literature review serves multiple purposes, such as establishing a context for the study, identifying gaps in the existing research, and providing a theoretical foundation for the research design.

When writing a literature review for a second dissertation, even if the topics are closely related, it is important to review and refine the content. This ensures that the review remains up-to-date and relevant, and reflects the current state of research. Replicating the same literature review can make the work appear redundant and may not demonstrate the depth of knowledge the researcher has acquired over time.

Strategies for Reusing and Refining Literature Reviews

Fortunately, there are several strategies that scholars can employ to legitimize the reuse of a literature review. These include:

Building on Existing Research: Incorporate recent developments and newer studies that have emerged after the initial dissertation. This not only adds value to the new dissertation but also shows that the researcher is up-to-date with the latest research. Structural Refinement: Adjust the structure of the literature review to align with the specific requirements and research questions of the new dissertation. This may involve reorganizing the flow of information, adding or removing sections, and refining the references. Customizing the Context: Tailor the literature review to fit the unique context and objectives of the new dissertation. This might involve discussing how the findings of the initial dissertation fit into the broader field and how the current research aims to further advance the understanding of the topic. Exposure to New Perspectives: While building on the existing work, ensure that the literature review also introduces and discusses new perspectives that were not covered in the initial dissertation. This helps in demonstrating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research area.

Conclusion

While the idea of reusing a literature review for multiple dissertations might seem tempting, it is crucial to prioritize academic integrity and originality. Scholars should take the extra effort to refine and build upon their existing work to ensure that their research contributes new and valuable insights. By doing so, they uphold the standards of the academic community and promote the advancement of knowledge.

Ultimately, the decision to restructure and expand upon a literature review should be guided by a commitment to academic rigor and the pursuit of knowledge. When done thoughtfully, the reuse of literature reviews can be a valuable tool for building upon previous research and contributing to the broader academic discourse.