How to Write a Literature Review
Students should create their research questions and find suitable sources of information. Then analyze and summarize the information. Next, they should organize their reviews according to the specified style guide.
- Define the Research Question
Scholars should develop a focused research query. It should be original and address a study gap. It should also be answerable by studying current literature.
- Develop a Search Method
Students should identify keywords and search terms related to their topic and use them with Boolean operators to get the results they are looking for easily. They can use sources like books, articles, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to find what they need.
- Search for Literature Systematically
Using their search strategy, scholars should fully search for literature and save relevant articles and sources for further reference. Alerts can keep them stay informed about the latest developments in their research area.
- Evaluate Sources Critically
Once they find sources for their literature, students should verify if they are valid and applicable to their content. They should verify that the sources are reliable, high-quality, and up-to-date. It should also show present research.
- Synthesize and Analyze
Scholars should find the strengths and weaknesses of the research they chose. They should then develop insights according to their analysis.
- Organize the Findings
Students should arrange their reviews to ensure there is a logical flow throughout their paper. They can organize the literature review based on sequentially and thematically.
- Write a Clear Review
The literature review should contain an intro, body, and conclusion. It should offer a clear overview of the research content and explore the key insights derived from the literature. The scholars should revise the paper carefully to ensure it is accurate and coherent.
