A literature review is a detailed, critical summary and analysis of the key writings and research on a particular topic. It is used to evaluate the current state of knowledge in a field, to identify gaps in research, and to assess the strength of different arguments and approaches.
A literature review is not simply a list of all the sources you have read. It should provide a critical evaluation of each work, assessing its contribution to the understanding of the topic under review.
When writing a literature review, you need to take care to:
1. Choose your sources carefully
Only include sources that are relevant to your topic and that you can critically engage with. Avoid sources that are too old or too new, and those that are not peer-reviewed.
2. Analyse and evaluate each source
Don’t just summarise each source – you need to critically engage with it. What are its strengths and weaknesses? How does it compare to other sources on the same topic?
3. Synthesise the literature
After evaluating and analysing each source, you need to synthesise the literature by bringing together different points of view and identifying any gaps in the research.
4. Structure your literature review
Your literature review should have a clear structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should set the scene and explain the rationale for your research. The body should critically evaluate the literature, and the conclusion should summarise your findings and highlight any areas that require further research.
Other related questions:
How do you present defense in research?
In research, defense is the process of presenting and justifying your research findings and methodology to your peers, supervisors, or other skeptics. It is an opportunity to show off your work and demonstrate that your research is valid, reliable, and important.
How do you explain a defense in research?
A defense in research is when a researcher seeks to disprove or disprove a claim made by another researcher. This can be done through data analysis, experimentation, or other means.
How do you defend a research problem?
There is no one answer to this question as the best way to defend a research problem will vary depending on the problem itself and the context in which it is being defended. However, some tips on how to defend a research problem might include:
1. Clearly and concisely state the problem and why it is important.
2. Explain how your research will address the problem.
3. Describe the potential impact of your research on the field or problem area.
4. Highlight the novelty of your approach to the problem.
5. Describe the feasibility of your proposed research.
6. Convince the audience that your research is worth doing and that you are the best person to do it.
How do you make a paper defense?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to make a paper defense depends on the specific assignment and the goals you hope to achieve. However, some tips on how to make a paper defense more effective include:
1. Make sure your paper is well-organized and clearly states your argument from the outset.
2. Use evidence to support your argument, and be sure to address counterarguments.
3. Be clear and concise in your writing, and avoid using jargon.
4. Practice your paper defense ahead of time so that you are comfortable with your material.