Literature Review

Literature ReviewBrought to you by the

Center for Teaching and Learning

A successful literature review:Synthesizes material from several

sources on the same question/research topic.

Assesses the state of existing knowledge on a topic by comparing studies in terms of assumptions about the research question, experimental method, data analysis, any conclusions drawn, and to raise questions for further research.

A literature review is done before you start the research because

Familiarity with the knowledge in the field allows you to define the boundaries and availability of the field.

Understanding of the theory driving the field allows you to place your research question into context.

Familiarizes you with the assessment and research methods proven successful in the field.

Familiarity prevents duplication of the same information (prevents you from being unoriginal).

Familiarity of the knowledge in the field allows you to analyze the significance of your additional research.

Research Checklist Do you have relevant sources? Are your sources from scholarly

academic journals or books? Can you offer justification for using

popular sources?

Description, Analysis, and Evaluation Analyze each source in terms of (1)

rhetorical context, (2) issues, (3) thesis, (4) arguments, and (5) response.

Briefly (in 1-2 sentences) describe the significance of each source.

Synthesize and Organize Have you found the bases of

comparison by examining: o Point of view o Definition of terms o Common ground o Factors studiedo Issues that divide

Prewrite Checklist Construct an outline by writing full

sentences to describe the significance or effect of the comparisons.

Organize your comparisons in logical order.

Writing the Literature Review: IntroductionEngage the reader in your topicState the issue (research question)Progressively narrow topic to

specific lines of researchState the thesis that expresses

your assessment of the state of knowledge on the issue

Describe an organizational strategy or outline of progression

Body should include: Description of each study/source Evaluation of each study/source Meaningful headings/sub-headings

that organize the paper Paragraphs that compare/contrast

important factors (assumptions, interpretations of results, theories, hypothesis, speculations, etc.)

Conclusion Summary of what researchers have

shown Evaluation of the work done Strengths and weaknesses Questions for further study

Common errors in reviewing literature

Hurrying through review to get started could mean that you will miss something that will improve your research.

Relying too heavily upon secondary sources. Concentrating on findings rather than methods. Overlooking sources other than academic journals.

Don’t forget newspaper articles, magazines, blogs, etc.

Searching too broad or too narrow of a topic. Inaccuracy in the compiling of bibliographic

information.

Further Information Contact the CTL for a one-to-one

appointment, either online or in person. [email protected] 217-206-6503