Feeling lost with limited research on your topic?

In this episode, you'd discover how to approach your literature review by breaking down your topic, using adjacent contexts, and leveraging theory to build a strong academic framework.

Many researchers mistake a lack of direct literature for a "dead end," but in this episode, Dr. Olasunkanmi (Ola) Arowolo explains why this is actually your greatest opportunity to shine.Drawing from his experience earning a PhD with no corrections from the University of Kent, Dr. Ola demystifies the "hidden curriculum" of academic writing. He shares the exact strategies he used to navigate research gaps and build a robust scholarly argument when sources seem scarce.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

• Bridge the Gap: Map your niche topic onto broader academic conversations.
• Thematic Structuring: Move beyond a chronological summary to a powerful thematic review.
• Contextual Borrowing: Use "adjacent contexts" and similar geographical/theoretical frameworks to build credibility.
• The Power of Theory: Use theoretical frameworks to provide the "scaffolding" your review lacks in empirical data.

Whether you are an undergraduate, Master’s student, or PhD candidate, this episode will teach you how to turn a "thin" literature base into a compelling case for your study's originality.

About Your Host:

Dr. Olasunkanmi Arowolo is a British Academy-endorsed Global Talent in Media and Communications. He is a specialist in the sociology of news and journalism studies. Through the OA Scholarship Foundation and The OAsis, he is dedicated to helping African scholars navigate the complexities of global academia.

Connect with Dr. Ola:

• Website: ⁠https://olaarowolo.com⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠The OAsis Channel⁠⁠
• Twitter/X: ⁠@OlaArowolo⁠
• Listen on ⁠Apple Podcast⁠

Listen in and learn how to transform scarcity into scholarly contribution.

#ResearchTips #AcademicWriting #LiteratureReview #PhDLife #GradSchool