This document provides guidance on conducting and writing a literature review. It discusses defining the purpose and scope of the review, searching for relevant literature, evaluating sources critically, organizing the review, and writing in a clear and concise manner. The key steps outlined include clarifying the assignment, finding models, narrowing the topic, considering source currency and focus, developing a thesis statement, and determining an effective structure with headings. When reviewing sources, the document advises assessing provenance, objectivity, persuasiveness, and value. It also offers tips for creating a well-formatted review with proper layout, language usage, and transitions between ideas.
T H E W R I T I N G C E N T E R Academic Services • .docxAASTHA76
T H E W R I T I N G C E N T E R
Academic Services • Phone: 962-7710
www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
How to Write a Literature Review
What This Handout is About…
This handout will explain what a Literature Review is and offer insights into the form and
construction of a Literature Review in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
Introduction
OK. You’ve got to write a literature review. You dust off your world literature
anthology book, settle down in your Ebert and Roper at the Movies theatre chair with
your popcorn and soda in hand, and get ready to issue a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”
as you leaf through the pages. “Literature Review” done. Right?
Wrong! The “literature” of a literature review refers to any collection of materials on a
topic, not necessarily the Great Literary Texts of the World. “Literature” could be
anything from a set of government pamphlets on British colonial methods in Africa to
scholarly articles on the treatment of a torn ACL. And a review does not necessarily
mean that your reader wants you to give your personal opinion on whether or not you
liked these sources.
What is a literature review, then?
A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and
sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period.
A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an
organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap
of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a
reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or
combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the
field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may
evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant.
But how is a literature review different from an academic research
paper?
While the main focus of an academic research paper is to support your own argument, the
focus of a literature review is to summarize and synthesize the arguments and ideas of
others. The academic research paper also covers a range of sources, but it is usually a
select number of sources, because the emphasis is on the argument. Likewise, a literature
review can also have an “argument,” but it is not as important as covering a number of
sources. In short, an academic research paper and a literature review contain some of the
same elements. In fact, many academic research papers will contain a literature review
section. But it is the aspect of the study (the argument or the sources) that is emphasized
that determines what type of document it is.
Why do we write literature reviews?
Literature reviews provide you with a handy guide to a particular topic. If you have
limited time to conduct res.
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to controlling sources of bias and error.
Researchers almost never conduct a study in an intellectual vacuum: their studies are undertaken within the context of an already existing knowledge base.
T H E W R I T I N G C E N T E R Academic Services • .docxAASTHA76
T H E W R I T I N G C E N T E R
Academic Services • Phone: 962-7710
www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
How to Write a Literature Review
What This Handout is About…
This handout will explain what a Literature Review is and offer insights into the form and
construction of a Literature Review in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
Introduction
OK. You’ve got to write a literature review. You dust off your world literature
anthology book, settle down in your Ebert and Roper at the Movies theatre chair with
your popcorn and soda in hand, and get ready to issue a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”
as you leaf through the pages. “Literature Review” done. Right?
Wrong! The “literature” of a literature review refers to any collection of materials on a
topic, not necessarily the Great Literary Texts of the World. “Literature” could be
anything from a set of government pamphlets on British colonial methods in Africa to
scholarly articles on the treatment of a torn ACL. And a review does not necessarily
mean that your reader wants you to give your personal opinion on whether or not you
liked these sources.
What is a literature review, then?
A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and
sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period.
A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an
organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap
of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a
reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or
combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the
field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may
evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant.
But how is a literature review different from an academic research
paper?
While the main focus of an academic research paper is to support your own argument, the
focus of a literature review is to summarize and synthesize the arguments and ideas of
others. The academic research paper also covers a range of sources, but it is usually a
select number of sources, because the emphasis is on the argument. Likewise, a literature
review can also have an “argument,” but it is not as important as covering a number of
sources. In short, an academic research paper and a literature review contain some of the
same elements. In fact, many academic research papers will contain a literature review
section. But it is the aspect of the study (the argument or the sources) that is emphasized
that determines what type of document it is.
Why do we write literature reviews?
Literature reviews provide you with a handy guide to a particular topic. If you have
limited time to conduct res.
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to controlling sources of bias and error.
Researchers almost never conduct a study in an intellectual vacuum: their studies are undertaken within the context of an already existing knowledge base.
The role of the literature review Your literature review gives y.docxoreo10
The role of the literature review
Your literature review gives your readers an understanding of the evolution of scholarly research on your topic.
In your literature review you will:
•survey the scholarly landscape
•provide a synthesis of the issues, trends, and concepts
•possibly provide some historical background
Throughout the literature review, your emphasis should fall on the current scholarly conversation. This is why the rubric often specifies that you need resources from peer-reviewed journals, published within the last five years of your anticipated graduation date. It's in these recent, peer-reviewed journals that the scholarly debate is being carried out!
The literature review also shows the "gap" in the conversation -- and how your own doctoral study will fill that gap and contribute to the scholarly knowledge. This is where you make the case for the importance and usefulness for your own work.
Searching comprehensively
Your literature review should be as comprehensive as possible -- you want to include all of the relevant resources dealing with your topic. Missing important articles or researchers will significantly weaken your scholarship! So, searching comprehensively becomes important.
To ensuring comprehensiveness:
•Identify the databases that will cover your topic
◦Spend some time reading the descriptions of the databases in your subject area
◦Contact the Library to get advice from a librarian on appropriate databases
◦Some topics cross over subject/theoretical boundaries, and librarians can suggest databases that you may not have considered
•Search in more than one database
◦Some of our databases are huge, containing thousands of journals, but no single database covers every journal relevant to a topic
◦Searching in each relevant database, one at a time, gives you a better sense of control over your search, as well as a more accurate idea of the journals/databases that you've covered
Using a multi-database search (such as Thoreau) is not necessarily recommended; in doing so, you lose the ability to use subject terms and search limits that may be unique to each database.
•Explore resources outside of the databases:
◦Government websites
◦Professional organizations
◦Research groups
◦Think tanks
These can all be important sources of statistics and reliable information. These will not be peer-reviewed resources (i.e. since they are not journals, they do not employ the same sort of editorial process that results in peer-review). Evaluating for reliability is important!
Beyond the Library: Google Scholar
Google Scholar provides a good way to take your search beyond the databases; it searches very broadly and will pull in resources you may not have discovered before.
Google's definition of scholarly includes government sites, think tanks, research organizations, journal websites, and of course colleges and universities.
Unfortunately, there is no way to limit your Google Scholar search to only peer-reviewed res ...
A literature review is a survey of academic sources on a particular project topic. It gives an overview of the ebb and flows information, permitting you to distinguish significant hypotheses, strategies, and holes in the current research.
A literature review is to show your reader that you have read, and have a good grasp of, the main published work concerning a particular topic or question in your field.
It will give detail idea about thesis/project. You will be benefited and well known for, which is suitable for you. It may give you opportunity to be skilled about completing your project/thesis.
Instructor:
• Dr. Md. Abdullah Al Humayun
Associate Professor, Eastern University
• Mr. Muhammad Mahfuz Hasan
Assistant Professor, Eastern University
Please See Instructions belowallready have references articles a.docxDIPESH30
Please See Instructions below
allready have references articles and abstract
Strict APA format
No Plageriasm
writing sample appreciated especially if you have completed a literature Review
Literature Review Instructions
What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a survey and a discussion of the literature in a given area of study. It is a concise overview of what has been studied, argued, and established about a topic; it is generally organized chronologically or thematically. A literature review is also written in essay format.
A literature review is not an annotated bibliography because it groups related works together and discusses trends and developments rather than focusing on one item at a time. It is also not a summary; rather, a literature review evaluates previous and current research in regards to how relevant and/or useful it is and how it relates to your own research.
Therefore, a literature review is
more
than an annotated bibliography or a summary because you are organizing and presenting your sources in terms of their overall relationship to your problem statement.
A literature review is written to highlight specific arguments and ideas in a field of study. By highlighting these arguments, the writer attempts to show what has been studied in the field and also where there are weaknesses, gaps, or areas needing further study. The literature review must also demonstrate to the reader why the writer’s research is useful, necessary, important, and valid.
Literature reviews can have different types of audiences, so consider why and for whom you are writing your review. For example, many literature reviews are written as a chapter for a thesis or dissertation in order to support a proposal or are written in order to help the writer develop a base of knowledge in a particular business area.
Asking the following questions will assist you in sifting through your sources and organizing your literature review. Remember, your Literature Review organizes the previous research in light of what you are planning to do in your own project.
What's been done in this topic area to date? What are the significant discoveries, key concepts, arguments, and/or theories that scholars have put forward? Which are the important works?
On which particular areas of the topic has previous research concentrated? Have there been developments over time? What methodologies have been used?
Are there any gaps in the research? Are there areas that have not been looked at closely yet but should be? Are there new ways of looking at the topic?
Are there improved methodologies for researching this subject?
What future directions should research in this subject take?
How will your research build on or depart from current and previous research on the topic? What contribution will your research make to the field?
How Do I Organize and Structure the Literature Review?
There are several ways to organize and structure a literature review. Two common way.
The role of the literature review Your literature review gives y.docxoreo10
The role of the literature review
Your literature review gives your readers an understanding of the evolution of scholarly research on your topic.
In your literature review you will:
•survey the scholarly landscape
•provide a synthesis of the issues, trends, and concepts
•possibly provide some historical background
Throughout the literature review, your emphasis should fall on the current scholarly conversation. This is why the rubric often specifies that you need resources from peer-reviewed journals, published within the last five years of your anticipated graduation date. It's in these recent, peer-reviewed journals that the scholarly debate is being carried out!
The literature review also shows the "gap" in the conversation -- and how your own doctoral study will fill that gap and contribute to the scholarly knowledge. This is where you make the case for the importance and usefulness for your own work.
Searching comprehensively
Your literature review should be as comprehensive as possible -- you want to include all of the relevant resources dealing with your topic. Missing important articles or researchers will significantly weaken your scholarship! So, searching comprehensively becomes important.
To ensuring comprehensiveness:
•Identify the databases that will cover your topic
◦Spend some time reading the descriptions of the databases in your subject area
◦Contact the Library to get advice from a librarian on appropriate databases
◦Some topics cross over subject/theoretical boundaries, and librarians can suggest databases that you may not have considered
•Search in more than one database
◦Some of our databases are huge, containing thousands of journals, but no single database covers every journal relevant to a topic
◦Searching in each relevant database, one at a time, gives you a better sense of control over your search, as well as a more accurate idea of the journals/databases that you've covered
Using a multi-database search (such as Thoreau) is not necessarily recommended; in doing so, you lose the ability to use subject terms and search limits that may be unique to each database.
•Explore resources outside of the databases:
◦Government websites
◦Professional organizations
◦Research groups
◦Think tanks
These can all be important sources of statistics and reliable information. These will not be peer-reviewed resources (i.e. since they are not journals, they do not employ the same sort of editorial process that results in peer-review). Evaluating for reliability is important!
Beyond the Library: Google Scholar
Google Scholar provides a good way to take your search beyond the databases; it searches very broadly and will pull in resources you may not have discovered before.
Google's definition of scholarly includes government sites, think tanks, research organizations, journal websites, and of course colleges and universities.
Unfortunately, there is no way to limit your Google Scholar search to only peer-reviewed res ...
A literature review is a survey of academic sources on a particular project topic. It gives an overview of the ebb and flows information, permitting you to distinguish significant hypotheses, strategies, and holes in the current research.
A literature review is to show your reader that you have read, and have a good grasp of, the main published work concerning a particular topic or question in your field.
It will give detail idea about thesis/project. You will be benefited and well known for, which is suitable for you. It may give you opportunity to be skilled about completing your project/thesis.
Instructor:
• Dr. Md. Abdullah Al Humayun
Associate Professor, Eastern University
• Mr. Muhammad Mahfuz Hasan
Assistant Professor, Eastern University
Please See Instructions belowallready have references articles a.docxDIPESH30
Please See Instructions below
allready have references articles and abstract
Strict APA format
No Plageriasm
writing sample appreciated especially if you have completed a literature Review
Literature Review Instructions
What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a survey and a discussion of the literature in a given area of study. It is a concise overview of what has been studied, argued, and established about a topic; it is generally organized chronologically or thematically. A literature review is also written in essay format.
A literature review is not an annotated bibliography because it groups related works together and discusses trends and developments rather than focusing on one item at a time. It is also not a summary; rather, a literature review evaluates previous and current research in regards to how relevant and/or useful it is and how it relates to your own research.
Therefore, a literature review is
more
than an annotated bibliography or a summary because you are organizing and presenting your sources in terms of their overall relationship to your problem statement.
A literature review is written to highlight specific arguments and ideas in a field of study. By highlighting these arguments, the writer attempts to show what has been studied in the field and also where there are weaknesses, gaps, or areas needing further study. The literature review must also demonstrate to the reader why the writer’s research is useful, necessary, important, and valid.
Literature reviews can have different types of audiences, so consider why and for whom you are writing your review. For example, many literature reviews are written as a chapter for a thesis or dissertation in order to support a proposal or are written in order to help the writer develop a base of knowledge in a particular business area.
Asking the following questions will assist you in sifting through your sources and organizing your literature review. Remember, your Literature Review organizes the previous research in light of what you are planning to do in your own project.
What's been done in this topic area to date? What are the significant discoveries, key concepts, arguments, and/or theories that scholars have put forward? Which are the important works?
On which particular areas of the topic has previous research concentrated? Have there been developments over time? What methodologies have been used?
Are there any gaps in the research? Are there areas that have not been looked at closely yet but should be? Are there new ways of looking at the topic?
Are there improved methodologies for researching this subject?
What future directions should research in this subject take?
How will your research build on or depart from current and previous research on the topic? What contribution will your research make to the field?
How Do I Organize and Structure the Literature Review?
There are several ways to organize and structure a literature review. Two common way.
During the coldest months, Italy transforms into a winter wonderland, providing visitors with a very unique experience. From the Settimana Bianca ski event to the lively Carnevale celebrations, Italy's winter festivities provide something for everyone. Enjoy hot cocoa, eat hearty comfort foods, and buy during winter deals. Explore the country's rich cultural past by participating in Settimana Bianca, and Carnevale, sipping hot chocolate, shopping during winter deals, and indulging in winter comfort foods. Visit our website https://timeforsicily.com/ for more information.
Discover the wonders of the Wenatchee River with a variety of river tours in Monitor, WA. Whether you're seeking thrilling whitewater rafting, peaceful kayaking, family-friendly float trips, or scenic sunset cruises, there's something for everyone. Enjoy fishing, wildlife spotting, bird watching, and more in this beautiful natural setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The Cherry Blossom season in Hunza begins in the second week of March and lasts until the end of April, varying with altitude. During this enchanting period, tourists from around the world flock to Hunza Valley to witness its transformation into a vibrant tapestry of white, pink, and green. The valley comes alive with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors.
About the Company:
The Cherry Blossom season in Hunza starts in the second week of March and extends until the end of April, depending on the altitude. During this enchanting period, tourists from around the globe travel to Hunza Valley to witness its transformation into a vibrant tapestry of white, pink, and green. The valley comes alive with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing landscape that captivates all who visit. For the best experience, join Hunza Adventure Tours, the top tour company in Pakistan, and immerse yourself in this breathtaking seasonal spectacle.
MC INTERNATIONALS | TRAVEL COMPANY IN JHANGAshBhatt4
Experience the world with MC Internationals travel and tourism. From foreign getways to cultural concentration, we tailor unforgettable journeys for every traveler. Let us turn your dream into reality and create lasting memories. Explore with us today. #TRAVEL,COMPANY #BEST,TRAVEL,COMPANY #VISIT,VISA #EMPLOYMENT,VISA #STUDY,VISA #HAJJ,AND,UMRAH
TRAVEL TO MT. RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK WITH NILE ABENTEUER SAFARIS.docxnileabenteuersafaris
Let’s explore the captivating Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda with Nile Abenteuer Safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offers unparalleled beauty and diverse ecosystems. 🌿🏔️
Key Features of Rwenzori Mountains National Park:
Majestic Peaks:
Mount Rwenzori, Africa’s third-highest peak, dominates the landscape. Its snow-capped summits and glacier-draped slopes provide a challenging yet rewarding adventure for trekkers and climbers.
Ascending these peaks allows you to witness breathtaking vistas and experience the thrill of high-altitude trekking.
Biodiversity:
Explore the park’s rich biodiversity, which includes montane forests, alpine meadows, and towering cliffs.
Encounter rare and endemic species such as the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori red duiker, and Rwenzori three-horned chameleon.
Trekking Trails:
Embark on immersive trekking experiences along a network of trails. Choose from leisurely walks to multi-day expeditions.
Traverse verdant valleys, moss-draped forests, and marvel at cascading waterfalls as you ascend toward the summit.
Cultural Heritage:
Engage with local communities of the Bakonjo and Bamba people. Gain insight into their traditional way of life and cultural practices.
Discover the rich history and folklore surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains.
Planning Your Visit:
Trekking and Climbing:
Select from various trekking routes tailored to different skill levels and durations.
Experienced guides and porters ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to the summit.
Wildlife Viewing:
Embark on guided nature walks to spot diverse wildlife, including primates, birds, and endemic plant species.
Keep an eye out for the Rwenzori hyrax, blue monkeys, and various bird species.
Accommodation:
Rest and rejuvenate in comfortable lodges, campsites, and guesthouses within and around the park.
Experience warm hospitality amidst the tranquility of nature.
Conservation:
Support conservation efforts by adhering to park regulations and practicing responsible tourism.
Your visit contributes to preserving this pristine wilderness for future generations.
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure:
Whether you seek the thrill of summiting Africa’s legendary peaks or the serenity of exploring remote landscapes, Mount Rwenzori promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s majesty. Start planning your expedition today and unlock the secrets of this captivating natural wonder!
Visit
https://nileabenteuer.com/tour_destination/mount-rwenzori-national-park/
https://www.rwenzoriexpeditions.com/treks/rwenzoris-gorilla-trek/
For more information;
WhatsApp: +256 752 397520
Email: info@nileabenteuer.com
Website: www.nileabenteuer.com
Discover Palmer, Puerto Rico, through an immersive cultural tour that unveils its rich history and vibrant traditions. Experience lively festivals, savor authentic cuisine, and explore local markets. Visit historical landmarks, museums, and stunning colonial architecture. Engage with friendly locals, enjoy live music, and hike scenic nature trails, all while participating in cultural workshops and discovering unique artisan crafts.
Its running cost is among the diverse vital aspects you must consider before buying an electric scooter. Calculate the cost of getting e-scooter charge for your regular usage to calculate its economic efficiency, similar to people who investigate the mileage of petrol or diesel-driven scooters.
4 DAYS MASAI MARA WILDEBEEST MIGRATION SAFARI TOUR PACKAGE KENYABush Troop Safari
Join our 4-day Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari in Kenya. Witness the incredible wildebeest migration, enjoy exciting game drives, and stay in comfortable lodges. Get up close and personal with one of nature's most amazing exhibits! Book Your Safari Today at - https://bushtroop-safaris.com/
Antarctica- Icy wilderness of extremes and wondertahreemzahra82
In this presentation, we delve into the captivating realm of Antarctica, Earth's southernmost continent. This icy wilderness stands as a testament to extremes, with record-breaking cold temperatures and vast expanses of pristine ice. Antarctica's landscape is dominated by towering glaciers, colossal icebergs, and expansive ice shelves. Yet, amidst this frozen expanse, a rich tapestry of unique wildlife thrives, including penguins, seals, and seabirds, all finely attuned to survive in this harsh environment. Beyond its natural wonders, Antarctica also serves as a vital hub for scientific exploration, providing invaluable insights into climate change and the Earth's history
Exploring Montreal's Artistic Heritage Top Art Galleries and Museums to VisitSpade & Palacio Tours
Montreal boasts a vibrant artistic heritage, showcased in its top art galleries and museums. From the expansive collections at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to the cutting-edge exhibits at the Musée d'art contemporain, discover the city's rich cultural landscape. Experience dynamic street art, indigenous works, and contemporary pieces, reflecting Montreal's diverse and innovative art scene.
London Country Tours, the foremost travel partner offers customized Stonehenge tours from London coming with private tour guides and direct access to the inner circles. Visit: https://www.londoncountrytours.co.uk/tour/tours-to-stonehenge-oxford/
How To Change Name On Volaris Ticket.pdfnamechange763
How to change name on Volaris ticket? This is one of the most common questions asked by travelers flying with Volaris Airlines. The mentioned details can help you with your name rectification on the airline ticket. If you are still facing difficulties call the consolidation desk at +1-800-865-1848.
2. 2
What is LR?
The format of a review of literature may vary
from discipline to discipline and from
assignment to assignment..
The purpose of a review is to analyze
critically a segment of a published body of
knowledge through summary, classification,
and comparison of prior research studies,
reviews of literature, and theoretical articles.
3. 3
What is LR?
A literature review is the effective evaluation of
selected documents on a research topic.
A review may form an essential part of the research
process or may constitute a research project in
itself.
In the context of a research paper or thesis the
literature review is a critical synthesis of
previous research.
The evaluation of the literature leads logically to
the research question.
4. 4
MAIN PURPOSES OF LR
• provides background for your topic using
previous research.
• shows you are familiar with previous, relevant
research.
• evaluates the depth and breadth of the
research in regards to your topic.
• determines remaining questions or aspects of
your topic in need of research.
5. 5
GOOD LR vs POOR LR?
A ‘good’ literature review…..
….. is a synthesis of available research
….. is a critical evaluation
….. has appropriate breadth and depth
….. has clarity and conciseness
….. uses rigorous and consistent
methods
A ‘poor’ literature review is…..
…..an annotated bibliography
….. confined to description
….. narrow and shallow
….. confusing and longwinded
….. constructed in an arbitrary way
6. 6
What should I do before writing
the literature review?
Clarify
o If your assignment is not very specific, seek
clarification from your supervisor/lecturer:
o Roughly how many sources should you include?
o What types of sources (books, journal articles,
websites)?
o Should you summarize, synthesize, or critique your
sources by discussing a common theme or issue?
o Should you evaluate your sources?
o Should you provide subheadings and other background
information, such as definitions and/or a history?
7. 7
What should I do before writing
the literature review?
Find models
Look for other literature reviews in your area of
interest. You can simply put the word "review"
in your search engine along with your other
topic terms to find articles of this type on the
Internet or in an electronic database. The
bibliography or reference section of sources
you've already read are also excellent entry
points into your own research.
8. 8
What should I do before
writing the literature
review?
Narrow your topic
There are hundreds or even thousands of
articles and books on most areas of
study. The narrower your topic, the
easier it will be to limit the number of
sources you need to read in order to get
a good survey of the material.
9. 9
What should I do before writing
the literature review?
Consider whether your sources are current
Some disciplines require that you use information that is as
current as possible. In the sciences, for instance, treatments
for medical problems are constantly changing according to the
latest studies. Information even two years old could be
obsolete. However, if you are writing a review in the
humanities, history, or social sciences, a survey of the history
of the literature may be what is needed, because what is
important is how perspectives have changed through the years
or within a certain time period.
Try sorting through some other current bibliographies or
literature reviews in the field to get a sense of what your
discipline expects.
You can also use this method to consider what is "hot" and what is
not.
10. 10
What should I do before writing
the literature review?
Find a focus
o A literature review, like a term paper, is usually organized around
ideas, not the sources themselves as an annotated bibliography would
be organized. This means that you will not just simply list your
sources and go into detail about each one of them, one at a time. As
you read widely but selectively in your topic area, consider instead
what themes or issues connect your sources together.
o Do they present one or different solutions?
o Is there an aspect of the field that is missing?
o How well do they present the material and do they portray it
according to an appropriate theory?
o Do they reveal a trend in the field?
o A raging debate?
o Pick one of these themes to focus the organization of your review.
11. 11
What should I do before
writing the literature review?
Construct a working thesis statement
Then use the focus you've found to construct a
thesis statement. Yes! Literature reviews have
thesis statements as well! However, your thesis
statement will not necessarily argue for a
position or an opinion; rather it will argue for a
particular perspective on the material.
12. 12
What should I do before writing
the literature review?
Consider organization
You've got a focus, and you've narrowed it down
to a thesis statement.
Now what is the most effective way of
presenting the information?
What are the most important topics, subtopics,
etc., that your review needs to include?
And in what order should you present them?
13. 13
What should I do before
writing the literature review?
Introduction: Gives a quick idea of the topic of
the literature review, such as the central theme
or organizational pattern.
Body: Contains your discussion of sources and is
organized either chronologically, thematically, or
methodologically (see below for more information
on each).
Conclusions/Recommendations: Discuss what you
have drawn from reviewing literature so far.
Where might the discussion proceed?
14. 14
What should you write?
o the accepted facts in the area
o the popular opinion
o the main variables
o the relationship between concepts and variables
o shortcomings in the existing findings
o limitations in the methods used in the existing
findings
o the relevance of your research
o suggestions for further research in the area.
15. 15
What should you write?
In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:
Provenance—What are the author's credentials? Are the author's
arguments supported by evidence (e.g. primary historical material,
case studies, narratives, statistics, recent scientific findings)?
Objectivity—Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial?
Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information
ignored to prove the author's point?
Persuasiveness—Which of the author's theses are most/least
convincing?
Value—Are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing? Does
the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an
understanding of the subject?
16. 16
What should you write?
Layout
Make your literature review have an academic and professional
appearance. Here are some points to make the look of your
report appealing to the reader
White space: leave space between sections, especially from the
abstract. This gives an uncluttered effect.
Headings/sub-headings: these help to separate ideas.
Text boxes: you can use these for quotations or paraphrasing to
separate them from the rest of your text. It is also pleasing to
the eye.
17. 17
What should you write?
Pagination:
you can number pages or sections or both, but the important thing to do is to be
consistent. The cover page normally is not numbered. The content page and
abstract page usually have a separate numbering system to the body of your
literature review.
Graphics: centre your graphics, such as diagrams or tables, to have space
around them. Try not to bury graphics in your text.
Language focus
Create a balance between direct quotation (citation) and paraphrasing.
Avoid too much direct quoting. The verb tense chosen depends on your
emphasis:
When you are citing a specific author's findings, use the past tense: (found,
demonstrated);
When you are writing about an accepted fact, use the present tense:
(demonstrates, finds); and
When you are citing several authors or making a general statement, use the
present perfect tense: (have shown, have found, little research has been
done).
18. 18
How to review?
The whole process of reviewing includes:
– a. Searching for literature
b. Sorting and prioritising the retrieved
literature
c. Analytical reading of papers
d. Evaluative reading of papers
e. Comparison across studies
f. Organising the content
g. Writing the review
19. 19
How to review?
Find similarities and differences between
studies at different levels, e.g.:
- philosophy
- epistemology
- morality
- methodology
- methods
- types of data
- data analysis
- interpretation
20. 20
Tips on writing
Sentences
Express one idea in a sentence. Ensure that all your sentences have
a subject, verb and object.
Paragraphs
Group sentences that express and develop one aspect of your topic.
Use a new paragraph for another aspect or another topic.
Consistent Grammar
Use sentences and paragraphs with appropriate use of commas,
colours and semi-colours. Incorrect use of punctuation can affect
the meaning.
Transition Words
Use words that link paragraphs and which show contrast and
development to your argument e.g. ‘hence’, ‘therefore’, ‘but’,
‘thus’, ‘as a result’, ‘in contrast’.
