When you prepare to conduct and then write a literature review, always remember that you need to follow a systematic approach, starting with defining clear objectives and inclusion criteria. Most importantly, you should meticulously record the details of each study that you select, refer to, and include in the review so that you can list all the studies accurately in your reference list or bibliography. If you don’t already use reference-management software, invest effort in finding one that suits your purpose and budget, and use it to ensure a hassle-free writing experience.
Below are some steps to take for writing a literature review.
- Understand the purpose
Start by asking yourself what research has already been done on the topic, what are some relevant sub-topics, and who are the prominent authors of such work so you can be sure to include their citations. Track other authors who have published similar work and refer to the reference lists or bibliographies in their publications as well. You should also check which studies have cited the ones that you are reviewing.
- Perform a thorough and efficient literature search
Make the most of the vast array of databases and tools available, and do not restrict yourself to one or few search engines and databases. Visit your university library and if needed, contact academic librarian for guidance on where to source specialist resources and citations related to your search. You may even consult gray literature. Use effective keywords and Boolean operators to refine your results. Check the search results for relevance, credibility, and recency. Critically analyze the selected literature for methodologies, strengths, and limitations. Try to unravel patterns and synthesize diverse perspectives.
- Read, take notes, and summarize
As you keep finding relevant articles, take notes and summarize them. Meticulously record any special observations you may have for each study you want to cite. Use these notes when writing a summary in your review. Avoid copy-pasting text; try and summarize studies in your own words.
- Put it all together into a single draft
After finalizing your list of studies to include, start with writing an engaging introduction that contextualizes the research problem and outlines the objectives. Generate central themes, theories, or methodologies, which will form the basis of your headings for your literature review.
The concluding paragraphs should underscore the implications of the reviewed literature on research design, theoretical frameworks, and future inquiries. Ensure that all your in-text citations and entries in end-of-article reference list or bibliography correspond with each other. Look for citations that may have been missed in the reference list/bibliography and vice versa. Once again, using reference-management software makes this immensely convenient.
- Seek feedback and refine
Your initial drafts of the literature review might be messy. Sometimes, re-reading your draft or even taking a break from the subject will give you clarity and help you tighten the narrative. Share your drafts with your peers and mentors and actively seek feedback. Act on the feedback, incorporating the comments and criticism, including any relevant references. This will only make the final output better!
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