When you write a research paper or dissertation, there is a need to conduct literature review in order to situate the research within current or existing knowledge. The literature review provides an opportunity to:
There is a possibility to write literature review as stand-along assignment. In such case, the purpose revolves around evaluating current state of research and exhibiting knowledge of scholar debate around the particular topic of interest.
Whether it’s a stand-alone literature review or a dissertation literature review, the UK writing through British writers covers all, from identifying the purpose of literature review to formulating literature review outline. When writing a literature review, it is expected to include variables, key themes, theories, methods and other fundamental factor relevant to the topic. It uses quite a few skills which everyone may not be aware of; despite they have viewed ample of literature review sample. Even if you’re from social science background and require a theoretical literature review or from medical background and need a systematic literature review, our subject matter expertise can draft an effective literature review given on any type in any discipline.
As discussed above, here are the steps in detail that gives a clear picture on how to write a literature review.
Before making a research for literature, make sure you have a clear and well-defined topic.
The literature review chapter of a dissertation requires searching for relevant literature linked to your research questions, objectives and problems. If it is a stand-alone assignment then select a focus and formulate a significant question to direct the search. In contrast to dissertation research question, it has to be answered without gathering original data and is based on a review of existing publications.
Example of research question: How social media restricts students’ interest in physical activities?
Make a keywords list: At first make a list of keywords that links to research question. Use the key variables, concepts and other related terms.
Keywords example:
Look for relevant sources:
Reading abstract allow finding an article that show relevancy to question. After looking for useful journal, article or book; check bibliography to find other pertinent sources to research topic. To identify commonly used publications on topic, mark the recurring citations.
For each publication related to your topic, check;
The sources used must be credible, also read the major theories and landmark studies in the field of research. High citation of article on Google scholar indicates that it has been influential in the field; most commonly used and is authentic.
The review scope depends on the discipline and research topic; usually in science a recent literature is reviewed whereas in humanities it often takes to historical perspectives (for instance, to trace how the concept has changed or altered the meaning overtime)
Make notes and cite the selected sources:
Keep track of the sources with proper citation in order to avoid plagiarism. Moreover, it can be useful to make an annotated bibliography, where full citation information is compiled along with paragraph of analysis and summary of each source. This helps in remembering what is read and saves time later in writing process. It is important to use proper referencing both in-text and bibliography.
There are numerous ways to organize the literature review body. So make a rough strategy before you begin to write. Depending on the length, combine numerous of these strategies (for instance, the structure can be thematic, but each of the themes can be debated chronologically)
Thematic:
When there are recurring key themes, organize the literature review into section which address different dimension of the research topic.
For instance, if the literature is review on migrant health outcome which lead to inequality then the key themes will be language barrier, legal status, health care policy, economic access and cultural attitudes.
Chronological:
A simple approach is to trace the topic development over time. Though if this strategy is used, carefully avoid just summarizing and citing sources in order. Analyze key debates, turning points and patterns that shape the direction of the research field. Provide interpretations of why and how certain developments have occurred.
Theoretical:
Literature reviews are often the foundation for theoretical framework. It can be used to discuss wide-ranging models, theories and definitions of key concepts. Specific theoretical approach may argue for relevancy, or a research framework can be created by combining various theoretical concepts.
Methodological
If the sources are drawn from different fields or disciplines that use variety of research methods, then simply compare the conclusions and results which emerge from different approach. For example:
Like every other academic paper, literature reviews have introduction, body paragraph and conclusion. Way to address each element depends on the objective and type of literature review.
Introduction: It clearly debates and discusses the purpose and focus of literature review.
Dissertation literature review: Literature review as a part of dissertation reiterate research question and central problem, also provide concise summary of scholarly context. It highlights research gap and emphasize timeliness of the topic.
Stand-alone literature review: For this, provide background of the topic and its significance. Discuss the literature review scope (for instance, time period) and state the objectives.
Body paragraph: It can be divided into subsection and a subheading can be used for each theme, methodological approach or time period. While you write, carefully summarize and synthesize, analyze and interpret, critically evaluate and draft in well-structured paragraphs.
Conclusions: It requires summarizing the key findings from the literature selected and emphasize its significance.
Dissertation literature review: Shows that research contributes to new knowledge and addresses gaps, or debate how existing methods and theories are drawn to develop a framework for the research.
Stand-alone literature review: Debate the implication of the literature or make recommendations/ suggestion for future research merely based on gaps which are identified.
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