What are the general guidelines for a literature review?

Conducting a literature review in qualitative research involves systematically gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing previous research on a specific topic. It is recommended that researchers keep track of searches, methodologies, and findings in a research diary, which will be helpful throughout the research process. Having a research diary will be an essential tool as it could be the go-to source for writing the final report. These diaries can also be stored in computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) such as ATLAS.ti.

It is important to keep in mind that literature reviews are time-consuming and constantly searching for literature will be a task at every stage of the research process. It is recommended that from the start to the end, researchers search for new studies and literature related to their topic. While there are variations for conducting a literature revision, here are some key general guidelines:

Define the theoretical concepts and research question

Clearly articulate the theoretical concepts, research question, and objective of your study. This will guide your literature search and ensure a focused review. Having a well-defined theoretical framework and specific questions will help you identify important research gaps and align your review with the particular scientific development of interest.

Identify relevant sources

Perform a comprehensive literature search using research databases such as PubMed, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and any others relevant to your field. Take advantage of the numerous databases available when joining academic institutions. Use specific keywords and phrases related to your research question, including synonyms and related terms, to broaden your search. Focus on published studies relevant to the particular topic and reviews written by experts. As you read each article, you can identify further studies worth including in your literature review by paying attention to the sources the authors cite.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Set clear criteria for including and excluding studies. Consider factors such as publication date, study design, methodology, population, and relevance to your research question. This step ensures consistency and transparency in your review process and helps identify relevant material for your reviews. It is important to document the unique criteria in your research diary.

Setting criteria for including and excluding studies ensures consistency and transparency. Photo by Jens Lelie.

Review and selection

Review titles and abstracts to identify studies that meet your inclusion criteria, and exclude those that do not align with your research question. Obtain and review the full text of selected articles to further assess their relevance and quality. Be sure to download relevant papers and keep track of citations in a reference manager or CAQDAS. ATLAS.ti Web Paper Search 2.0 function can help you find your literature and keep track of your citations.

Data compilation

Compile relevant data from each study, including study objectives, methods, data samples, findings, and limitations. Use tools like spreadsheets or qualitative analysis software such as ATLAS.ti to organize and manage the extracted data. A well-structured data extraction strategy ensures that all pertinent information is captured and analyzed systematically.

Analyze the literature

Researchers should identify common themes, patterns, and gaps in the literature. Using CAQDAS such as ATLAS.ti can facilitate the process of reading and categorizing all the different pieces of information in each article, as researchers can code the text and easily retrieve any information as they write up their literature review. Also, it is important to critically evaluate the quality and rigour of the studies, considering their strengths and weaknesses. In this way, researchers can transparently report and evaluate relevant material to ensure useful findings.

Researchers can identify common themes, patterns and gaps via thematic analysis. Photo by Dan Dennis.

Writing the literature review

Writing a literature review involves ensuring clarity and coherence, making it accessible to a broader audience. When writing the literature review, it is important to paraphrase and use your own words instead of quoting the articles directly, as this conveys a critical understanding of the literature. You might want to directly quote key or impacting sentences from other studies, in which case it is crucial to cite the original source correctly. Conclude by summarizing the main findings, discussing their implications for your research topic and pointing out important unanswered questions, which your study aims to address. Ensuring the review is focused and adhering to literature review guidelines is essential for writing a high-quality research paper or review article.

Reference tracking

Use a citation management tool like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to keep track of your references and format them correctly. Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) as required by your discipline or the publication to which you are submitting your review. Keep detailed notes and organize your references from the beginning to avoid confusion later. Don’t just summarize the studies; critically evaluate their methods, findings, and contributions to the field. Stay current with newly appeared literature and updates in your field to ensure your literature review reflects the most recent research. Systematically reviewing the literature and following literature search reporting guidelines will help in maintaining a high standard for your review.

Conclusion

Conducting a literature review is a crucial aspect of qualitative research. From dissertation literature reviews or narrative and systematic reviews, by following these literature review guidelines, you can conduct a thorough literature review that provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on your research topic. This approach is essential for writing effective literature reviews, ultimately advancing the field and guiding future research. Defining clear research questions, systematically searching for and analyzing relevant literature, and utilizing tools like ATLAS.ti streamline the process and ensure thorough data organization and analysis. By adhering to these best practices, you will produce literature reviews that significantly contribute to your field and pave the way for innovative and impactful research.