Writing a Literature Review - Purdue OWL

Introduction

• A literature review collects key sources on a topic and discusses them in conversation with each other (synthesis).
• Important across various disciplines, not limited to literature.
• Literature reviews are essential in understanding the research (scholarship) in a given field.

Purpose and When to Write a Literature Review

Situations for Writing a Literature Review

• Research Papers/Articles: Part of a document, typically after introduction and before research methods.
• Standalone Pieces: As assignments or publications.
  • In Classes: Help students familiarize with a topic and identify research gaps.
  • As Publications: Summarize, synthesize, and analyze existing research to aid other scholars.

Parts of a Literature Review

Introduction

• Explain working topic and thesis.
• Forecast key topics or texts in the review.
• Possibly describe source finding and analysis.

Body

• Summarize and Synthesize: Overview of main points combined into a coherent whole.
• Analyze and Interpret: Add interpretations and discuss findings in relation to literature.
• Critically Evaluate: Mention the strengths and weaknesses of sources.
• Use well-structured paragraphs with transitions.

Conclusion

• Summarize key findings and their significance.
• Connect back to the primary research question.

Organizing a Literature Review

Organizational Patterns

• Chronological: Trace topic development over time.
• Thematic: Organize by recurring central themes.
• Methodological: Compare research methods across disciplines.
• Theoretical: Discuss theories, models, and concepts.

Strategies and Tips for Writing a Literature Review

• Ensure well-chosen sources and thorough research.
• Create an annotated bibliography.
• Focus on synthesizing rather than just summarizing.
• Imagine sources as a conversation (dinner party analogy).
• Use multiple sources in paragraphs to indicate synthesis.
• Literature reviews can be written as arguments.
• Establish your research's place in scholarly conversation, highlighting its relevance and contribution.