How to write literature review
Literature reviews should comprise the following elements:
• Overview of subject, issue or theory under consideration, along with literature review objectives
• Divide works under review into categories (e.g. support of a position, those against, new ideas)
• Explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from the others
• Conclusions best considered in your argument, most convincing, and need for research
In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:
• Provenance—Author’s credentials? Supported by evidence (e.g. historical, case study, scientific)
• Objectivity—Author’s perspective prejudicial? Is certain pertinent data ignored to prove point?
• Persuasiveness—Author’s theses most/least convincing?
• Value—Author’s arguments and conclusions convincing? Ultimately contribute to the subject?
3. Definition and Use/Purpose -How to write literature review
Literature review may be chapter of a thesis/dissertation, or may be a self-contained review of writings.
• Place each work in context of its contribution to the understanding of the subject under review
• Describe the relationship of each work to the others under consideration
• Identify new ways to interpret, and shed light on any gaps in, previous research
• Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies
• Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort
• Point the way forward for further research
• Place one’s original work in the context of existing literature
The literature review itself, however, does not present new primary scholarship.
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