How to write literature review

How to write literature review

To write a literature review, you should follow a structured approach that includes the following elements:

1. Introduction and Overview:
– Start with an introduction that provides context for your literature review.
– Clearly state the subject, issue, or theory you will be reviewing and your literature review objectives.

2. Categorize the Works:
– Divide the works you are reviewing into categories or themes. This categorization helps you organize your review effectively.
– Categories could include support for a particular position, works against that position, or new ideas emerging from the literature.

3. Compare and Contrast:
– For each work you include, explain how it is similar to and how it differs from the other works in the same category.
– Highlight the key points or arguments made by each author.

4. Evaluate Each Piece:
– Assess each piece of literature by considering the following factors:
– Provenance: Examine the author’s credentials and the evidence supporting their work (e.g., historical data, case studies, scientific research).
– Objectivity: Analyze whether the author’s perspective is biased or impartial. Determine if they have ignored relevant data to support their point of view.
– Persuasiveness: Evaluate how convincing the author’s theses are, both in terms of their arguments and evidence.
– Value: Assess whether the author’s arguments and conclusions are compelling and whether they contribute to the subject you are reviewing.

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5. Define the Purpose:
– Clarify the purpose of your literature review. It can be a chapter of a thesis or dissertation, or it can stand alone as a comprehensive review of existing writings.
– Explain how each work you review contributes to the understanding of the subject under consideration.

6. Contextualize and Relate Works:
– Describe the relationship of each work to others in the same category or theme.
– Identify new perspectives or interpretations that emerge from the literature.
– Address any apparent contradictions or conflicts among previous studies.

7. Identify Research Gaps:
– Highlight areas in the existing scholarship where there are gaps or limitations. This can help prevent duplication of effort in future research.
– Point out the need for further research in specific areas.

8. Point Forward:
– Offer insights into the direction future research should take based on your review.
– Explain how your literature review contributes to the broader understanding of the topic.

9. Contextualize Your Own Work:
– If applicable, explain how your own research or work fits into the context of the existing literature.

10. Remember the Scope:
– Keep in mind that a literature review itself does not present new primary scholarship. Instead, it synthesizes and analyzes existing research and literature.

11. Citation and References:
– Properly cite all the works you review and provide a list of references following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

12. Organization and Flow:
– Ensure that your literature review is organized logically and flows smoothly from one point to another. Use clear transitions between sections and categories.

13. Proofread and Edit:
– Carefully proofread and edit your literature review to eliminate errors and improve clarity.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and well-structured literature review that contributes to the understanding of your chosen subject, issue, or theory.