Functions and Sources of Literature Review

What is Literature 

Literature is a background and previous knowledge about any phenomena, concept and under studied construct.

Functions of Literature Review

—  Bring clarity and focus to the research problem

–   Help in conceptualize your research problem clearly and precisely

—  Improve the method

–   What was the method of other researchers to answer the same question

—  Broaden your knowledge

–   To be an expert in your area of study

–   Find out the gaps in your area

Procedure for Literature Review

1. Identify specific research interest than review the literature
2. Gradually narrowing down
3. Should be focused
4. Continuous process often begins before a specific research problem
5. Continuous until the report is finished

Sources for Searching Literature Review

—  Books

—  Journals

—  Internet

—  Library

◦       Library staff

◦       Search tool

◦       Online catalog

◦       Important source for searching literature should be latest journals.

◦       Drawback of books literature …… Not up to date material.

Neurotransmitters and their functions

Neurotransmitters

·         Acetylcholine is excitatory neurotransmitter. It is involved in learning, memory, attention and general intellectual functions. Low level of acetylcholine leads to Alzheimer’s disease and excessive level leads severe muscle spasm.

·         Dopamine is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is involved in attention, learning and involuntary movements. Low level of dopamine leads parkinson’s disease and high level of dopamine leads schizophrenia and drug addiction.

·         Serotonin is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It regulates mood, emotional states, hunger, sleep and wakefulness. Low level of serotonin leads depression and mood disorder and high level of serotonin leads autism.

·         Nor epinephrine is excitatory neurotransmitter. Arouse state of flight or fight, play role in learning and memory retrieval. Low level of norepinephrine leads mental disorder especially depression and high level leads anxiety.

·         Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is inhibitory neurotransmitter. It regulates daily sleep awake cycle. Low level of GABA leads to insomnia, anxiety, seizures and tremors.

·         Endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmitters. It involves in positive emotions and pain perception. Low level of endorphins lead to body experiences pain.

·         Glutamate is excitatory neurotransmitter. It involves in learning, memory and movement. It helps information or message to cross the synapse more efficiently. High level of glutamate leads to epileptic seizures.