How to Write a Literature Review

Before proceeding on with the method of writing a literature review we should have knowledge about what a literature review actually is. A literature review is like an overview of literature that is found as relevant to the area of research or study. A literature review is more or less like a report. In short it provides the overview of current literature which is available on a given subject. This article will deal with the methods that need to be incorporated while writing a literature review. Have a look at the step by step guide below that can help you further in the task:

• You have to begin by finding materials which you think are relevant to the subject that is presented. You can choose literary materials which help in understanding and validating the topic that is in question. You will also have to make sure that the authors have the required level of expertise and credentials. You will have to ensure that the argument posed by the authors is convincing enough.
• You shall have to include an overview of the subject that is being presented. Apart from the overview you will also need to include the objective of the literature review in the introduction. It is sort of a thesis statement that makes the writer’s objective clear.
• You then have to divide the works into certain categories which support the position of the topic. You will also need to provide the categories of those which are in against and which offer alternative stances.
• Then you have to include an explanation on the way in which each work varies and also about the way in which each work is similar to the other. There are many authors who agree on a certain point but differ on some points. You have to make sure that you include all those points which are valid irrespective of the fact whether they are contradictory or not.
• You have to conclude with inclusions of those arguments that were most convincing and relevant to the proposed subject. You can also provide an insight as to how the topic is related to a broader subject in the conclusion.
• The last step is editing and revising any writing, spellings, grammar and punctuation in general. Just ensure that the thoughts follow a logical flow and pattern in your literature review.

After having known the method of writing a literature review in general we can proceed to know the way in which we can write a literature review for a scientific paper. The guide given below cab help you in this purpose:

• A literature review in a scientific paper helps one in understanding and identifying the gaps in research done on a particular topic and the structured experiments that can bridge those gaps.
• Next is choosing all the sources that you think are appropriate for your literature review. They can be peer reviewed journals, patient charts, autobiographies, information that is collected through interviews and surveys etc. You can either collect primary/firsthand accounts or else you can rely on secondary sorces.
• Next you have to summarize and record the articles that you are reviewing for your own records. Make sure that you include all the citation information so that it helps you when you decide to include the source in your literature review.
• Sort out all those articles that you consider as the most important to be included in your literature review. Now you have to critically review those sources by asking yourself certain questions that are as follows:

Are the goals of the researcher’s well defined?
Is the abstract clear and concise?
What theories guide the study?
Is the hypothesis rational?
How is the study set up?
Is the data reported in such a way that supports or rejects the hypothesis?
Is the reported data clear and accurate?
Is the author competent and qualified enough to conduct the research?
Is the author’s writing concise and clear?

Watch a video instruction on how to write a literature review

See also

How to Write a Research Proposal

How to Write a Term Paper

How to Write Bibliography

How to Write a Book Review