{"id":1278,"date":"2026-07-18T06:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T00:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2026-07-24T09:44:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T04:14:43","slug":"introduction-vs-literature-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction vs Literature Review in a Research Paper: What Is the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The introduction states the research problem, objectives, and scope of a study, while the literature review critically analyzes prior published work related to that problem.<\/li>\r\n<li>The introduction is brief and forward-looking; the literature review is longer, backward-looking, and organized around themes, methods, or chronology rather than the study itself.<\/li>\r\n<li>An introduction is usually 400 to 1,000 words, while a literature review can run 1,000 to 5,000 words or form its own chapter in a thesis or dissertation.<\/li>\r\n<li>The literature review must identify a research gap; the introduction then uses that gap to justify why the current study is needed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Glossary_of_Key_Terms\" >Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#What_Is_an_Introduction_in_a_Study\" >What Is an Introduction in a Study?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Core_Elements_of_an_Introduction\" >Core Elements of an Introduction<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#What_Is_a_Literature_Review\" >What Is a Literature Review?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Core_Elements_of_a_Literature_Review\" >Core Elements of a Literature Review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Why_Do_Writers_Confuse_the_Introduction_and_Literature_Review\" >Why Do Writers Confuse the Introduction and Literature Review?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Example_Sentences_Introduction_vs_Literature_Review\" >Example Sentences: Introduction vs Literature Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Key_Differences_Between_Introduction_and_Literature_Review\" >Key Differences Between Introduction and Literature Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Structural_and_Content_Differences\" >Structural and Content Differences<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Structure\" >Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Content\" >Content<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Audience_Expectation\" >Audience Expectation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Where_Should_the_Literature_Review_Go\" >Where Should the Literature Review Go?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#How_Long_Should_Each_Section_Be\" >How Long Should Each Section Be?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Suggested_Word_Count_by_Document_Type\" >Suggested Word Count by Document Type<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Tips_for_Combining_Introduction_and_Literature_Review_Cleanly\" >Tips for Combining Introduction and Literature Review Cleanly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Quick_Checklist_Before_Submission\" >Quick Checklist Before Submission<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Can_the_introduction_and_literature_review_be_combined_into_1_section\" >Can the introduction and literature review be combined into 1 section?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_literature_review_and_a_background_section\" >What is the difference between a literature review and a background section?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#How_many_sources_should_a_literature_review_cite\" >How many sources should a literature review cite?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#How_do_I_organize_a_literature_review_by_theme_instead_of_by_study\" >How do I organize a literature review by theme instead of by study?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Should_the_research_question_appear_in_the_introduction_or_the_literature_review\" >Should the research question appear in the introduction or the literature review?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#How_long_should_a_literature_review_be_in_a_doctoral_dissertation\" >How long should a literature review be in a doctoral dissertation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#Is_it_acceptable_to_skip_a_separate_literature_review_section\" >Is it acceptable to skip a separate literature review section?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/#What_order_should_introduction_and_literature_review_follow_in_a_thesis\" >What order should introduction and literature review follow in a thesis?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glossary_of_Key_Terms\"><\/span>Glossary of Key Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-research-paper\/\">Introduction<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td>The opening section of a paper that states the problem, purpose, scope, and structure of the study.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-literature-review-definition-types-and-examples\/\">Literature review<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td>A critical, organized survey of prior published work relevant to the research topic.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/identify-gaps-in-research-tips\/\">Research gap<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td>A question, method, or population that existing studies have not yet addressed adequately.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Synthesis<\/td>\r\n<td>Combining findings from multiple sources into a single, organized discussion rather than listing them one by one.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/\">Theoretical framework<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td>The set of concepts and theories used to explain and interpret the research problem.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-a-thematic-literature-review-a-beginners-guide\/\">Thematic review<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td>A literature review organized by topic or theme rather than by publication date.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Citation density<\/td>\r\n<td>How frequently a section references outside sources relative to its total length.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Introduction_in_a_Study\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574953\"><\/a>What Is an Introduction in a Study?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>An introduction is the opening section of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-good-research-paper\/\">research paper<\/a>, thesis, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-chapter-dissertation-steps-outline\/\">dissertation<\/a>. It tells the reader what problem the study addresses, why that problem matters, and how the rest of the document is organized. Most introductions move from a general statement about the field to a specific, narrow research question, a pattern often called a funnel structure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A typical introduction includes the research problem, the study&#8217;s objectives, a brief mention of scope or method, and a short preview of upcoming sections (especially in economics). In some of the humanities, the final paragraph states the thesis or the specific contribution the study makes, so a reader who reads only that paragraph still understands the paper&#8217;s purpose.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Elements_of_an_Introduction\"><\/span>Core Elements of an Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>An opening statement that establishes why the topic matters.<\/li>\r\n<li>A clear statement of the research problem or question.<\/li>\r\n<li>The objectives or aims of the study.<\/li>\r\n<li>A brief note on scope, method, or approach.<\/li>\r\n<li>A thesis statement or summary of the study&#8217;s contribution.<\/li>\r\n<li>An outline of how the rest of the document is organized.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Because the introduction is meant to orient rather than argue in detail, most of its claims are supported with only 1 or 2 citations each, saving deeper citation work for the literature review that follows.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Literature_Review\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574954\"><\/a>What Is a Literature Review?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A literature review is a structured, critical survey of published work related to the research topic. Its purpose is to show what is already known, where studies agree or disagree, which methods have been used, and what remains unanswered. Unlike a simple summary, a strong literature review synthesizes sources into themes rather than describing each study 1 by 1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In journal articles, the literature review is often short and woven into the introduction or a dedicated subsection. In theses and dissertations, it usually forms an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-conduct-and-write-a-literature-review-for-your-dissertation\/\">entire chapter<\/a>, citing dozens or even hundreds of sources and closing with a clearly stated research gap that the current study will fill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Elements_of_a_Literature_Review\"><\/span>Core Elements of a Literature Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>An organizing structure, such as by theme, method, or chronology.<\/li>\r\n<li>A synthesis of findings across multiple studies, not a list of summaries.<\/li>\r\n<li>A discussion of agreements, contradictions, and debates in the field.<\/li>\r\n<li>An evaluation of the strengths and limitations of prior methods.<\/li>\r\n<li>A closing statement that identifies the research gap.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Writers_Confuse_the_Introduction_and_Literature_Review\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574955\"><\/a>Why Do Writers Confuse the Introduction and Literature Review?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Writers confuse the two because both sections appear early in a study and both discuss prior context before the methods section begins. It is easy to let a paragraph that should introduce the topic turn into a summary of studies, or let the literature review drift into stating the paper&#8217;s own thesis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Formatting conventions add to the confusion. Some journals list &#8216;Introduction&#8217; and &#8216;Literature Review&#8217; as 2 separate headings, some combine a short literature review into the introduction, and others place a full literature review as a distinct chapter after the introduction, especially in theses. Checking the target journal&#8217;s author guidelines before drafting removes most of this ambiguity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_Sentences_Introduction_vs_Literature_Review\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574956\"><\/a>Example Sentences: Introduction vs Literature Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Comparing short examples side by side clarifies the distinction while drafting. The left-hand examples critically discuss prior studies in depth, while the right-hand examples state the current study&#8217;s own purpose or contribution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Literature review-style sentence<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Introduction-style sentence<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Smith (2019) and Lee (2021) reached opposite conclusions on this variable, suggesting a methodological inconsistency.<\/td>\r\n<td>This study resolves that inconsistency using a standardized measurement protocol.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Three separate frameworks have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, each with distinct limitations.<\/td>\r\n<td>This paper proposes a fourth framework that addresses the limitations of the first 3.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Most studies before 2018 relied on small, single-site samples with low statistical power.<\/td>\r\n<td>This research uses a multi-site sample of 1,200 participants to address that limitation.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Qualitative and quantitative studies in this area rarely cite each other directly.<\/td>\r\n<td>This paper bridges both traditions using a mixed-methods design.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Differences_Between_Introduction_and_Literature_Review\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574957\"><\/a>Key Differences Between Introduction and Literature Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Literature review<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Main purpose<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>States the research problem and the study&#8217;s contribution<\/td>\r\n<td>Critically surveys and synthesizes prior work<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Focus<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>What this study will do<\/td>\r\n<td>What prior studies have found and debated<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>First section of the document<\/td>\r\n<td>After the introduction, or as its own chapter<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Tone<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Argumentative and forward-looking<\/td>\r\n<td>Analytical and evaluative<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Typical length<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>400 to 1,000 words<\/td>\r\n<td>1,000 to 5,000 or more words<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Includes thesis<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Yes, usually in the final paragraph<\/td>\r\n<td>No, but ends with a gap statement<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Citation density<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Low to moderate<\/td>\r\n<td>Very high<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structural_and_Content_Differences\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574958\"><\/a>Structural and Content Differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structure\"><\/span>Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The introduction follows a funnel shape, narrowing from a broad topic to a specific research question in 4 to 6 paragraphs. The literature review is usually organized thematically, grouping studies by concept, variable, or method rather than listing them in the order they were published, though a chronological structure is used when tracing how a field developed over time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content\"><\/span>Content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The introduction contains original framing about why the study exists now. The literature review contains detailed, cited discussion of other researchers&#8217; work, including their methods, findings, and limitations. A simple test is to check whether a paragraph is evaluating someone else&#8217;s study in depth, which belongs in the literature review, or stating this study&#8217;s own aim, which belongs in the introduction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Audience_Expectation\"><\/span>Audience Expectation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Readers expect the introduction to answer why this study exists and what problem it solves. They expect the literature review to answer what is already known and where the gaps are. Keeping these 2 questions distinct while drafting prevents the sections from repeating the same material.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Should_the_Literature_Review_Go\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574959\"><\/a>Where Should the Literature Review Go?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In most journal articles, a short literature review sits inside or immediately after the introduction, before the methods section. In theses and dissertations, the literature review commonly forms its own chapter, placed after a shorter introductory chapter that states the research problem and objectives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some fields use a hybrid structure: a brief introduction paragraph, a longer literature review section, and a closing paragraph that restates the research question in light of the reviewed gap. Following the target publication&#8217;s or institution&#8217;s required structure matters more than following a single fixed convention.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Should_Each_Section_Be\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574960\"><\/a>How Long Should Each Section Be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Length depends heavily on document type. A journal article introduction is typically 400 to 1,000 words, or roughly 5% to 10% of the total word count, while an embedded literature review within that introduction might add another 300 to 1,000 words. A standalone literature review chapter in a thesis or dissertation is far longer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A simple planning approach allocates 1 paragraph per major theme in the literature review and 1 paragraph per major idea in the introduction. An introduction commonly uses 4 to 6 paragraphs, while a full literature review chapter can use 15 paragraphs or more, depending on how many themes must be covered.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_Word_Count_by_Document_Type\"><\/span>Suggested Word Count by Document Type<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Document type<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Introduction length<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Literature review length<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-publish-research-paper-in-international-journal\/\">Journal article<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>400-1,000 words<\/td>\r\n<td>500-1,500 words<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Conference paper<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>200-500 words<\/td>\r\n<td>200-600 words<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Undergraduate <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/thesis-structure-outline-writing-tips\/\">thesis<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>800-1,500 words<\/td>\r\n<td>2,000-4,000 words<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Doctoral <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dissertation-best-prhttps:\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dissertation-best-practices\/actices\/\">dissertation<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>1,500-3,000 words<\/td>\r\n<td>6,000-12,000 words<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574961\"><\/a>Common Mistakes to Avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Summarizing studies 1 by 1 in the literature review instead of synthesizing them by theme.<\/li>\r\n<li>Placing the thesis statement inside the literature review instead of the introduction.<\/li>\r\n<li>Writing an introduction so detailed that it duplicates the literature review&#8217;s citations.<\/li>\r\n<li>Ending the literature review without a clear statement of the research gap.<\/li>\r\n<li>Citing sources without evaluating their methods, sample size, or limitations.<\/li>\r\n<li>Ignoring the target journal&#8217;s or institution&#8217;s required heading structure.<\/li>\r\n<li>Using outdated sources when more recent, relevant studies are available.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Combining_Introduction_and_Literature_Review_Cleanly\"><\/span>Tips for Combining Introduction and Literature Review Cleanly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When a journal requires a single combined section, draft the literature review material first as a standalone block organized by theme, then draft the introduction material separately, and merge them only at the end. This order keeps the critical analysis and the study&#8217;s own argument distinct even after merging, since overlapping citations are easier to trim when both parts already exist in full.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A second useful practice is to read only the closing paragraph of the combined section on its own. If it clearly states the research gap and how the current study addresses it, the merge has worked. If it still reads like a list of other studies, more synthesis and trimming is needed before submission.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Checklist_Before_Submission\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574962\"><\/a>Quick Checklist Before Submission<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Does the introduction clearly state the research problem and objectives?<\/li>\r\n<li>Does the literature review synthesize sources by theme rather than list them individually?<\/li>\r\n<li>Is the thesis statement present only in the introduction?<\/li>\r\n<li>Does the literature review end with a clearly stated research gap?<\/li>\r\n<li>Are recent, relevant sources included alongside foundational studies?<\/li>\r\n<li>Does the paper follow the target journal&#8217;s or institution&#8217;s required heading structure?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234574963\"><\/a>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_introduction_and_literature_review_be_combined_into_1_section\"><\/span>Can the introduction and literature review be combined into 1 section?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Yes, many journal articles combine them under a single &#8216;Introduction&#8217; heading, with a short literature review woven into the middle paragraphs before the research question and objectives are stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_literature_review_and_a_background_section\"><\/span>What is the difference between a literature review and a background section?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A background gives brief context in a few paragraphs, while a literature review is longer, more critical, and organized by theme, method, or debate rather than simple chronology or summary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_sources_should_a_literature_review_cite\"><\/span>How many sources should a literature review cite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The number varies by document type, but a journal article literature review often cites 15 to 40 sources, while a dissertation chapter can cite 100 or more, depending on the field and topic breadth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_organize_a_literature_review_by_theme_instead_of_by_study\"><\/span>How do I organize a literature review by theme instead of by study?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Group sources under 3 to 6 recurring themes or variables, then discuss what multiple studies say about each theme together, rather than giving each study its own paragraph in publication order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_the_research_question_appear_in_the_introduction_or_the_literature_review\"><\/span>Should the research question appear in the introduction or the literature review?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-craft-a-strong-research-question-with-research-question-examples\/\">research question<\/a> belongs in the introduction, since the literature review&#8217;s role is to establish what is known and identify the gap, not to state what the current study will investigate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_a_literature_review_be_in_a_doctoral_dissertation\"><\/span>How long should a literature review be in a doctoral dissertation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Most doctoral dissertation literature review chapters run 6,000 to 12,000 words, though this varies widely by field, methodology, and how much prior research exists on the topic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_acceptable_to_skip_a_separate_literature_review_section\"><\/span>Is it acceptable to skip a separate literature review section?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Short conference papers and technical reports sometimes fold a brief literature review into 1 or 2 introduction paragraphs, but most journal articles and all theses expect a more developed, separate review.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_order_should_introduction_and_literature_review_follow_in_a_thesis\"><\/span>What order should introduction and literature review follow in a thesis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Most theses place a short introductory chapter first, stating the problem and objectives, followed by a full literature review chapter that ends by identifying the gap the study addresses.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Takeaways The introduction states the research problem, objectives, and scope of a study, while the literature review critically analyzes prior published work related to that problem. The introduction is brief and forward-looking; the literature review is longer, backward-looking, and organized around themes, methods, or chronology rather than the study itself. An introduction is usually [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_ayudawp_aiss_exclude":false,"_ayudawp_aiss_summary":"Some journals list 'Introduction' and 'Literature Review' as 2 separate headings, some combine a short literature review into the introduction, and others place a full literature review as a distinct chapter after the introduction, especially in theses. A journal article introduction is typically 400 to 1,000 words, or roughly 5% to 10% of the total word count, while an embedded literature review within that introduction might add another 300 to 1,000 words. Short conference papers and technical reports sometimes fold a brief literature review into 1 or 2 introduction paragraphs, but most journal articles and all theses expect a more developed, separate review.","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_provider":"manual","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_hash":"b425bc31216edac89cce89a53a7d622a68267708"},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Introduction vs Literature Review in a Research Paper: What Is the Difference? | Editage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the differences between an introduction and literature review in a research paper, thesis, or dissertation, how to keep them separate without overlap.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-literature-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Introduction vs Literature Review in a Research Paper: What Is the Difference? 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