What does the literature reveal in terms of diversity?
Karin Grasenick | February 2019
Studies may include specific diversity aspects and relevant methods. However, studies could also implicate stereotypes or overlook intersectional variables. A thorough review of the existing literature regarding the integration of diversity aspects may reveal research gaps. Search Strategy (see “Relevant Definitions and Analytic Dimensions”):
“It may take some practice to develop a search strategy that identifies the full range of sex and gender differences that have been documented. The most straightforward method is to combine the name of a condition or biomedical research topic with MeSHterms [Medical Subject Headings], such as sex factors and sex characteristics, or text words, such as gender differences and sex differences. […] In basic life sciences research, it might be more rewarding to use search terms signalling sex-specific features on, for example, the cellular or hormonal level (e.g., oestrogen receptors), which are dependent on the field of research” (Nieuwenhoven & Klinge 2010, p.318).
Which diversity aspects have been investigated so far and what are the results?
- Which variables are used, and how are they defined in order to operationalize relevant dimensions?
- Are there any further terms or variables that might be relevant for your literature review?
- What does the data show? What assumptions are underlying the interpretations?
- Have intersections of different diversity aspects been investigated?
- Which diversity aspects have been neglected and could be of interest for further research?
What are the most important research gaps?
- Is there a research gap concerning “sex”?
- What research gaps have you identified regarding diversity aspects that might be of relevance as intersectional variables?
- How do these research gaps relate to the diversity aspects you have identified?
- Does the methodology used adequately reflect the aspects of diversity that you are interested in?
Which methodological steps include diversity aspects, and how are these aspects analysed?
Does the methodology used adequately reflect the aspects of diversity that you are interested in?
- Which methodological steps include diversity aspects, and how are these aspects analysed?
- Which methodology would enable a better reflection of the dimensions you are interested in?
The following strategy regarding research gaps might be helpful (Nieuwenhoven & Klinge 2010, p.318, Beery & Zucker 2011, p.7):
- If you have identified a research gap concerning sex (no or equivocal knowledge about the existence of sex differences), you should consider “sex” as one of the priorities in your research.
- If there is no research gap and there are known sex differences, focus on intersecting diversity aspects but keep “sex” as an analytical entity. Include differences that are known to be relevant, or substantiate your decision not to include these aspects. Studying the mechanisms and causes underlying the known differences could also be a priority.
- If there is no research gap and prior research strongly indicates that there are no significant sex differences, review if there might be other relevant diversity dimensions. In this case, sex might not be required in subject sex selection, but still, the study of both sexes is recommended.