A literature review is a detailed, critical summary of the research on a particular topic. It is used to evaluate the current state of knowledge on that topic, and to identify gaps in the existing research. A literature review can be a stand-alone paper, or it can be part of a larger research project.
There are two common types of literature reviews: critical and integrative. A critical literature review focuses on a specific topic, and evaluates the existing research in a critical way. An integrative literature review is a more comprehensive review of the literature, and includes a synthesis of the existing research.
When writing a literature review, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
1. Start with a clear goal in mind. What are you trying to accomplish with your review?
2. Be sure to include an overview of the major works on your topic.
3. Critically evaluate the existing research. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the existing studies?
4. Identify gaps in the existing research. What questions have not been answered by the existing studies?
5. Synthesize the existing research. What are the main findings of the existing studies?
6. Write in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
7. Be sure to proofread your literature review carefully.
A literature review is a valuable tool for any researcher, student, or scholar. By critically evaluating the existing research, a literature review can help to identify gaps in the existing knowledge, and can provide a foundation for further research.
Other related questions:
How to structure a literature review?
There is no one correct way to structure a literature review. However, common elements in a literature review may include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction may provide an overview of the topic under consideration, as well as contextual information and key concepts. The body may critically evaluate the literature, and the conclusion may summarize the findings of the review.
How to begin a literature review?
There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the focus of your literature review and the research question you are investigating. However, some tips on how to begin a literature review include:
-Identifying key authors and texts in the field
-Situating your research question within the broader debates in the field
– outlining the scope of the literature review
– discussing the methodological approaches used in the literature
– critically evaluating the existing body of work
– highlighting gaps in the literature
– identifying areas for further research.
What is included in a literature review?
A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic. It includes a description of the research, its findings, and implications for practice.
Bibliography
- Literature Review & Research Methods – Education
- Literature Review – Public Health – Research Guides
- Writing the Literature Review | Niklas Elmqvist, Ph.D. – umiacs
- Literature Review – GEMSTONE Team PRODUCE
- Literature Reviews – Electrical and Computer Engineering
- How to Write a Literature Review
- Systematic Review Service: Introduction