I need to write a literature review using the following Research Question:

How does one's self attitude/worth play a role in deviant behavior? The following is my outline. I am having two problems. The articles are so complex that I am having difficulty understanding them. Also, I'm not really sure how to write the lit review. I looked at the lit review article from this site and I still don't get it. For example, I don't understand the whole "synthesis" concept. Are there some easier to understand articles? And, if I start off by defining self, deviance, and then talk about the relationship of the two, then tell how these articles support or not the research question, am I on the right track? Please help! Following is my draft outline.

Intro: Discussions about the basics of deviance will be discussed here and how self impacts deviant behavior. Research question and thesis will also be included in introduction.

Deviance: in social psychology, refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that depart from accepted practices in a society or group. In some cases, behaviors mandated by laws can themselves be deviant, such as driving only the speed limit on some highways. Deviance, then, goes beyond the legal code of a society. In simple terms, it refers to any behavior that violates the norms of a group.refer to widely held beliefs in society, with many so widely held that they are formalized into law, thereafter invoking both deep sentiments and harsh punishments for breaking them. Mores are derived from folkways, rules of behavior and custom passed down through a group or society. Taboos are violations of behavior prescribed through mores. In fact, interactionists generally view deviance as a normal part of the interaction process. Structural and group-centered views of deviance tend to focus on the social conditions that increase the likelihood of breaking laws. In some sense, deviance is a necessary part of the symbolic interaction process of negotiating social reality. Interactionism assumes that individuals decide to maintain (or break) social norms and standards during every interaction. Most relationships start with low levels of intimacy but progress toward more intimate levels through successive self-disclosures of personal information. In the beginning, however, one person must decide to deviate from the norm of acquaintance talk—the relationship cannot progress into something more meaningful unless someone breaks the rules.Over time, he came to accept the label and the stereotypes associated with it. He actually came to embrace the new title, believing that his new values, although different from those of conventional society, are good and true. In this sense, deviance is also about identity formation, or how people come to see themselves as deviant (Herman-Kinney 2003).Interactionists view deviance as a manifestation of social interactions, like any other thought, feeling, or behavior. When an individual decides to deviate from the norms of a group, she will likely incur penalties for making such a decision. If it is a mild infraction—belching in public, for instance—it may receive only a few raised eyebrows or a mild statement such as “Excuse you!� A more serious infraction, such as pushing someone who is in your way, may get a few stern statements like “Hey, watch where you’re going!� or some physical response—perhaps someone pushing you back.The symbolic interaction process allows us to study deviance at different levels. Ethnomethodology helps us understand minor forms of deviance in everyday life. Labeling theory is often applied to explain how individuals come to deviate from more serious norms in society.(BTW this is all lifted from something. I just put it here for filler until I come up with my own words).

website removed due to rules
The result of negative self-attitudes that influence a person to embrace deviant response patterns for change in self-attitudes and progression of deviant patterns.

Crocker, J., & Major, B. (1989). Social stigma and self-esteem: The self-protective properties of stigma. Psychological Review, 96(4), 608-630.
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Being stigmatized can lead to deviance.

Ferris, D. L., Brown, D. J., Lian, H., & Keeping, L. M. (2009). When does self-esteem relate to deviant behavior? The role of contingencies of self-worth. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(5), 1345-1353.
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the authors examined the interaction between level (high/low) and type (contingent/noncontingent) of self-esteem in predicting workplace deviance

Owens, T. J. (1994). Two dimensions of self-esteem: Reciprocal effects of positive self-worth and self-deprecation on adolescent problems. American Sociological Review, website removed

, low self-esteem is said to predispose youths to many adolescent problems, since those with low self-esteem may seek status and recognition in non-normative pursuits that lead to stigmatizing labels and secondary deviance.

self-esteem to adolescent social problems was used as a comparative reference point for an analysis of the link between negative and positive self-worth and youth problems.
American Sociological Review, Vol. 59, No. 3 (Jun., 1994), pp. 391-407
How negative self worth can impact adolescent problems including deviance

Conclusion: Through these sources we find that low self worth/attitude can lead to deviance.

I appreciate any help you are willing to provide. Thank you!

Writing a literature review can be a challenging task, especially when the articles you are using are complex. I understand that you are also struggling with understanding the concept of synthesis and how to structure your literature review. Let me address your concerns and provide some guidance.

1. Understanding complex articles:
It is common to find academic articles complex, especially if you are new to the topic or field. Here are a few strategies to help you understand the articles better:
- Read the abstract and conclusion: These sections usually provide a summary of the main points and findings of the article.
- Look for key terms and definitions: Highlight or make note of any important terms or concepts that you come across. Understanding these terms will help you grasp the main ideas of the article.
- Break the article down into smaller sections: Take it step-by-step and read smaller sections of the article at a time. This can help you digest the information more effectively.
- Use additional resources: If you are struggling to understand a specific concept or topic, try looking for other resources such as textbooks, videos, or articles that provide a simpler explanation.

2. Writing the literature review:
Based on your outline, it seems like you are on the right track. Here is a suggested structure for your literature review:

Introduction:
- Start with a general introduction to deviance and its importance in social psychology.
- Introduce your research question and thesis statement.

Body:
1. Background information on deviance and its relationship to self-attitude/worth.
- Define self and deviance.
- Discuss the relationship between self-attitude/worth and deviant behavior.

2. Review of articles:
- Start by summarizing the main findings of each article.
- Identify the key points/themes related to your research question (e.g., the impact of self-attitude/worth on deviance).
- Compare and contrast the findings of the articles.
- Highlight any gaps or inconsistencies in the literature.

3. Synthesis:
- Now, you can discuss the synthesis of the articles. Synthesis involves combining the information and findings from multiple sources to create a cohesive argument or narrative.
- Identify common themes or patterns that emerge from the articles.
- Highlight the similarities and differences in the methodologies, sample sizes, and results of the studies.
- Discuss the strengths and limitations of the research.

Conclusion:
- Summarize the main findings from the articles.
- Explain how the articles support or do not support your research question.
- Highlight any implications or future research directions.

Remember to use your own words and integrate the information from the articles into your own writing style. Paraphrasing the information and citing the sources appropriately is important to avoid plagiarism.

3. Finding easier to understand articles:
If you are struggling with the complexity of the articles you have, try searching for additional sources that provide a more accessible explanation of the topic. Look for review articles, textbooks, or resources specifically targeted at a broader audience.

I hope this guidance helps you with your literature review. If you have any more specific questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask!

Writing a literature review can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with complex articles. I understand that you are struggling to understand the articles and also need guidance on how to write the literature review. Let's address your concerns step by step.

First, when it comes to understanding complex articles, it can be helpful to break them down into smaller parts and focus on one section or concept at a time. Take notes, highlight key points, and make sure you have a clear understanding of each article before moving on to the next one. If you find the articles too difficult to comprehend, try looking for alternative sources that explain the same concepts in simpler terms. You can use online resources, books, or even consult with a librarian for assistance in finding more accessible literature.

Regarding the concept of synthesis in a literature review, it refers to the process of integrating and analyzing multiple sources of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of a research topic. Synthesis involves identifying common themes, trends, or patterns across different studies and combining them to form a cohesive argument or explanation. In your literature review, you can synthesize the findings from various articles to support or refute your research question. This synthesis helps provide a holistic view of the topic and highlights the gaps or areas of agreement in the existing literature.

Now, let's discuss your draft outline. Starting with an introduction that contextualizes the research question and presents your thesis is a good approach. However, instead of diving directly into the definition of deviance, consider beginning with a broader introduction to the topic, such as providing an overview of deviance and its significance in society. Then, gradually narrow down the focus to the specific aspect you are exploring, which is the role of self-attitude/worth in deviant behavior.

In the body of your literature review, you can follow a logical structure that presents the main points and findings from each article. It would be helpful to organize your review based on themes or subtopics related to your research question. For example, you can start by discussing the concept of self and its relationship to deviance, including relevant theories or frameworks. Then, move on to exploring the different dimensions of self-attitude/worth and how they may influence deviant behavior. Finally, you can analyze the articles you have selected, discussing how they support or contradict your research question.

When discussing each article, it's important to summarize the main findings, methodologies used, and any limitations or controversies associated with the research. Aim to critically evaluate the articles and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. You can also compare and contrast the findings across different studies to demonstrate the existing gaps or inconsistencies in the literature.

Finally, in your conclusion, summarize the main points discussed in your literature review and clearly state how the articles you reviewed have contributed to the understanding of self-attitude/worth and its role in deviant behavior. Emphasize the overall consensus or conflicting viewpoints from the literature, and highlight areas that require further research.

Remember, each literature review can be unique in its structure and organization, so feel free to adapt the suggested approach to fit your specific research question and available literature. Good luck with your literature review!