A literature review is a written summary and evaluation of sources related to a specific topic.
A literature review is usually structured similarly to an essay, with
o an introduction, body, and conclusion.
o A discussion of gaps in research
o Define basic terms in your thesis work
o Clearly review worldwide about your research objectives
o Identify research questions from previous study
o The methodology of research
o Sampling techniques
o An evaluation of the contribution of each source to the topic
Some tips for writing a literature review include:
o Following the 5 C's of literature review writing: citing, comparing, contrasting, critiquing,
and connecting
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Additional information
Writing a literature review for your thesis is a critical step in establishing the foundation
for your research. Here’s a structured approach to help you through the process:
1. Define Your Research Question
Clearly articulate the research question or hypothesis your thesis addresses.
This will guide your literature search.
2. Identify Relevant Literature
Keywords: Develop a list of keywords related to your research question.
Databases: Use academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed,
or your institution's library to find relevant articles, books, and theses.
Types of Sources: Look for:
o Peer-reviewed journal articles: These are typically the most credible and
relevant sources.
o Books: Scholarly books can provide comprehensive views on your topic.
o Conference papers and theses: These can offer insights into recent
research developments.
3. Read Strategically
Abstracts: Start by reading the abstracts to determine the relevance of the
articles.
Introduction and Conclusion: Focus on the introduction and conclusion
sections to grasp the main arguments and findings.
Methodology: Read the methodology section if it is crucial to understanding
how the research was conducted, especially if it informs your own methods.
4. Organize Your Findings
Thematic Organization: Group the literature into themes or categories
relevant to your research question.
Chronological Order: You may also organize literature chronologically to show
the development of research over time.
Matrix or Table: Create a literature matrix to summarize key points,
methodologies, and findings of each source.
5. Write the Review
Introduction: Introduce the topic, state the purpose of the literature review,
and outline how you will structure it.
Body: Discuss the literature in organized sections based on themes or
categories. Critically analyze and compare the studies, highlighting agreements,
disagreements, and gaps in the literature.
Conclusion: Summarize key findings, discuss the implications for your research,
and identify any gaps that your research will address.
6. Cite Your Sources
Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) throughout your review
to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
7. Revise and Edit
Review your literature review for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure it
flows logically and supports your thesis.
Tips:
Stay Organized: Keep track of your sources and notes to streamline the writing
process.
Seek Feedback: Share drafts with peers or advisors to get constructive
feedback.
Update as Needed: As you progress in your research, revisit your literature
review to incorporate new findings and insights.
