How to Write a Literature Review for Research: Guide, Structure & Template Examples
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Definition
What Is the Purpose of a Literature Review?
Types of Literature Reviews
How Long Should a Literature Review Be?
Features of a Good Literature Review
What to Include in a Literature Review?
Structure
Writing Guide
1. Select a Topic
2. Search for Pertinent Literature
3. Analyze and Choose Relevant Sources
4. Group the Sources by Categories
5. Build Connection Between Your Ideas and the Literature
6. Write a Literature Review
7. Proofread and Revise
Format
Examples
Writing Tips
Checklist
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
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A literature review is a critical analysis of published research on a particular topic. It involves reviewing and analyzing a range of sources, such as academic articles, books, and reports. Students conduct a literature review before writing a research paper or dissertation to gain an understanding of the existing knowledge and recognize areas for further exploration.
Evaluating scholarly works is a crucial aspect of academic work because it establishes the foundation for an inquiry and uncovers new information or gaps in studies. Thus, it is essential to develop and structure it correctly.
In this guide you will find:
A detailed definition
Main types
Elements of a good literary review
How to do a literature review
Examples of literature review template.
Read on to explore the structure and straightforward steps for assessing existing sources on your topic.
In case you are looking for a quick solution, consider giving our literature review services a try.
What Is a Literature Review: Definition
Before delving further, let’s first define what is a literature review in research. As a researcher, you might need to objectively synthesize, explore, and evaluate existing studies conducted by others. A literature review helps you identify gaps or areas that require further investigation. It boils down to analyzing and making sense of a massive body of knowledge.
It is crucial to be critical during the entire process as it is the most effective approach to engaging with texts. You need to objectively identify their strengths and weaknesses, and convey your positive or negative views.
In other words, literature reviews are about deducing specific sources and comparing relevant studies to find similarities and differences. This process may reveal new perspectives or offer a thorough outline for further developments in a specific field. It can also inform readers about the relevance and validity of existing documents to the statement of the problem.
You conduct a lit review to get an overview of concepts surrounding your subject, keep up to date with trends in your field, and enhance your credibility. Besides, it offers a solid background for a research paper, thesis or dissertation. [Original source: https://studycrumb.com/literature-review]
