Imagine you're learning something new, like an excellent bird species. A literature review is like checking out what other bird watchers have discovered already. You'll read books and articles written by experts to see what they know about the bird.
This helps you understand what's already been learned, people's different ideas, and even what mysteries remain. It's not just listing what you find but putting the pieces together to get a bigger picture.
Doing a literature review helps you in two ways:
How you write a literature review depends on the situation and your field of study. Different subjects have their expectations:
In humanities subjects, like literature or history, you might see authors including more arguments and explanations of the sources they're reviewing. They might focus on how different scholars interpret the same information.
In science subjects, like biology or chemistry, the literature review might focus more on reporting how past studies were designed and what results they found. It's like a summary of what other scientists have already discovered.
No matter what you're studying, checking your field's expectations is always a good idea. Talk to your teachers or professors to learn the specific format and style preferred in your area.
As part of a research paper: This is the most commonplace. You'll usually find it after the introduction and before the methods section. This part of the paper summarises the critical research that's already been done on the topic you're writing about.
As a standalone piece, A literature review can exist on its own, either as an assignment in a class or as a published work.
In a class: Literature reviews can help you learn about a topic in more depth, discover areas where more research is the main requirement, and develop your own research ideas.
As a published work: These reviews aim to help other researchers in a specific field. They might summarise existing research on a new topic or highlight unanswered questions that need further investigation.
Imagine you're building a knowledge castle. A literature review is like gathering the best building blocks of the research done by others on your topic. Here's a guide to putting those blocks together and understand how to write a literature review
Briefly introduce your topic and the main idea you want to explore (your thesis). This is like laying the foundation of your castle.
Preview the key players: Briefly mention some important sources and ideas you'll explore, like the different towers and structures you plan to build.
If your review is a standalone project, you can explain how you found your sources, like where you found the building materials for your castle.
Become a knowledge architect: Explain the main points of each source you found, like summarising the blueprints for each part of your castle. Don't just copy and paste the information in your own words, like building with your understanding.
Think like a detective: Go beyond just summarising. Analyse and interpret the findings, like figuring out how the different castle parts connect and what purpose they serve. This is where you start to see the bigger picture and understand the significance of what others have discovered.
Be a critical reviewer: Point out the strengths and weaknesses of the sources you reviewed, like identifying if the building materials are solid and reliable or if there are any weak spots in the construction plans.
Organise your castle: Use clear paragraphs and transitions to connect your ideas, like making sure the different parts of your castle flow smoothly together.
Briefly recap the key takeaways from your research, like highlighting the most essential features of your castle.
Connect the dots: If your review is part of a larger project, explain how the knowledge you gained from the literature review relates to your primary research question. This is like showing how your castle connects to the surrounding landscape and plays a role in the bigger picture.
Organising your literature review is like building a mind map for your research project. Here are some different approaches, like different ways to connect the ideas in your mind map:
The best way to organise your literature review depends on your goal. Choose the method that helps you explain your topic most effectively, just like you would arrange your mind map to best represent your thoughts and connections.
Are you feeling overwhelmed writing a dissertation or literature review ? Don't worry; a well-crafted literature review can be your guiding light.
Here are some strategies to help you navigate the vast sea of knowledge and build a strong foundation for your research:
Instead of simply listing sources, consider structuring your review around key themes, research methodologies, or even the chronological development of the topic. Think of it like creating a mind map, visually connecting different ideas and seeing how they relate.
Go beyond just summarising what each source says. Analyse the information critically, identify underlying assumptions, and explore how different studies connect or contradict each other. Imagine piecing together clues in a mystery, uncovering the bigger picture and the ongoing conversation within your field of study.
Make sure to present each source in collaboration. Instead, strive to synthesise your findings, highlighting how different perspectives and methodologies contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic. This is like building a bridge that connects other pieces of information, creating a more comprehensive and nuanced picture.
Just like a sturdy compass helps you navigate on land, ensure your research is built upon credible and trustworthy sources. Look for academic journals, reputable publications, and established scholars in your field.
Feel free to explore new avenues as you delve deeper into your research. Don't hesitate to dig deeper if you discover exciting leads or unexpected connections. This willingness to explore and adapt can lead to new insights and a richer understanding of your topic.
By following these strategies, you can transform your literature review from a simple summary of existing knowledge into a powerful tool that helps you navigate your research journey, build a strong foundation for your project, and ultimately contribute to the ongoing conversation within your field.
Imagine you're planning a camping trip to a new national park. A literature review is like a detailed park map and guidebook combined, helping you navigate the terrain and discover hidden gems:
Do you need help writing a literature review? Don't worry, you're not alone. It can be tricky for lots of students. Here's a helpful tip for you to write an impressive literature review.
Looking for inspiration: Just like finding new and cool outfits with different styles, writing a good review can benefit from seeing examples. The examples listed here are like other types of reviews you can write, depending on your topic:
