Research/Literature Review Topic: Automated Software Testing Frameworks, Techniques and Classification. (20 Pages required)

This chapter reviews what has already been written in the field on the topic of the research. The literature cited should support the theoretical argument being made and demonstrate that the author has a grasp of the major ideas and findings that pertain to his or her topic. Refer to APA manual for additional information concerning literature reviews.

1. Historical Background

a. Put things in perspective. This is more than just a chronology and does not necessarily have to include every detail since day one.

b. What are the major issues, controversies, etc. that impact your study. Include background on all relevant variables.

2. Theory Relevant to Research Questions/Hypotheses.

a. What theoretical models/perspectives inform your research?

b. Compare and contrast competing theories and justify the theoretical foundation of the dissertation.

c. Describe how the theoretical foundation of the dissertation applies to the problem.

3. Current Empirical Literature Relevant to Research Questions/Hypotheses

a. Include in this section:

i. literature relating to individual variables

ii. literature relating to specific combination of variables (specifically examine background and relevant background literature as shown in Figure 4.1) relevant to the dissertation

b. This should be more than a listing of studies. What common thread holds them together? Use transitions to effectively tie one section with another.

c. Incorporate discussion of strengths/weaknesses of methodology in previous studies and which you are building on/hoping to avoid/improve upon in your study.

4. Use headings and subheadings liberally to organize this section. Consider making a “concept map” of relevant literature for organizational purposes (do not include in the dissertation text, however). This section should be reflective of deductive reasoning; starting broadly and narrowing the focus as the chapter progresses