Writing Your Literature Review Created by staff at the OLLU Mary Francine Danis University Writing Center
Writing Your Literature Review
Created by staff at the OLLU Mary Francine Danis University Writing
Center
What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review (or review of literature) is an essay that introduces readers to the key sources on a topic or a question. It’s like a guided tour of the key sources on a topic.
Why Do We Write Literature Reviews?
• Establish credibility.
• Analyze existing sources.
• Show connections among previous studies.
• Provide foundation for new research.
Literature Review, Sample Page
Literature Review, Link to Sample Paper
Sample APA papers: Literature review. Online Writing Lab (OWL):
http://faculty.mwsu.edu/psychology/Laura.Spiller/Experimental/sample_apa_style_litreview.pdf
Literature Review vs. Research Paper
• Similarity: in both, you accumulate sources to help you and your readers understand a topic.
Literature Review vs. Research Paper
• Research paper
– Clear window
– Focus on topic: view it through the sources
• Literature review
– Stained glass window
– Focus on sources themselves: key ideas; quality, value
Literature Review
vs. Annotated Bibliography
• Similarity: in both, you summarize the sources and comment on their value.
• Difference:
– Annotated bibliography: list of sources with brief comments.
– Review of literature: an essay, with developed paragraphs and transitions.
Packing for Trip into LitRevLand (1)
• Plan backwards and start early.
• Brainstorm.
• Create guiding question.
• Seek librarians’ help.
Packing for Trip: Creative Searching
– Look at a dictionary or thesaurus for synonyms.
– Look at References or Works Cited in the articles you find.
– Look for a few “extra” sources; don’t stop with the minimum.
Packing for Trip: Reading & Note-Taking
• Read articles more than once.
• Print articles for easy reference and annotation.
• Make notes. – On copies
– On separate sheets of paper
– On synthesis matrix (see next slide)
• Look for keywords: thesis, main point, methodology, strategy, key, etc.
• Highlight very short quotes that you might use.
Synthesis Matrix
http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/PDF%20Handouts/synthesis%20matrix.pdf
Source #1 Source #2 Source #3 Source #4
Main Idea #1
Main Idea #2
Create a Tentative Map
• Order of Sources
– Possibly chronological, but not necessarily
– Sample paper from Ashton (n.d.): • Response to mentally ill
people
• Reduction of fear and rejection through contact
• Ways to arrange contact for best effect
Organizing Your Review: Introduction
• Introduction – Identify topic
– Identify trends • General directions
• Conflicts
• Gaps
• New problem or perspective
– Give overview • Your point of view, using third
person
• Your criteria (expectations, standards) for analyzing and evaluating sources
• Your organizational plan for the review
Organizing Your Review: Body
– Discuss each source • Main point
• Support
• Value
– Show connections among the sources • Similarities
• Contrasts
– Use transitions to maintain the flow
• See guide and sample in William Ashton’s piece, “Writing a Short Literature Review”:
http://www.york.cuny.edu/~washton/student/Org-Behavior/lit_rev_eg.pdf
Conclude Your Review
• Let readers know that you’re wrapping up the essay, not just stopping.
• Remind readers of key ideas.
Use Resources for APA
• EasyBib
– OLLU / Sueltenfuss Library / Citation Tools
– http://www.ollusa.edu/s/1190/ollu-3-column.aspx?sid=1190&gid=1&pgid=2695
• Purdue OWL
– http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
Review Your Review! • Writing Center
– Make an appointment ahead of time using WC Online! Register a profile at https://ollusa.mywconline.com using your school email address and your same password for your email. Log in and schedule appointments at your convenience.
– Call or email for assistance with WC Online: 210-431-4199; [email protected]
• Smarthinking – myOLLU / Application Links
What Else Should You Remember?
• Keep your readers in mind.
– Use language that YOU understand.
– You’re the tour guide, helping readers understand a portion of the field.
• Allow time for revising!
References
• Ashton, W. (n.d.) Writing a short literature review. Retrieved from http://www.york.cuny.edu/~washton/student/Org-Behavior/lit_rev_eg.pdf
• Learn how to write a review of the literature. (2012). The Writer’s Handbook. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved from http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html
• Paiz, J. M., Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., . . . Keck, R. (2013). APA formatting and style guide: General format. Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
• Remillard, G. (2013). APA style 6th edition guides/Sample papers/Templates. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1747981/APA_Style_6th_Edition_Guides_Sample_Papers_Templates
• Writing a literature review and using a synthesis matrix (2006). Writing & Speaking Tutorial Services. North Carolina State University. Retrieved from http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/PDF%20Handouts/synthesis%20matrix.pdf