Literature Review Writing Guide

Introduction

• Writing a literature review is a critical recap of existing research on a topic.
• No need to panic; it can be easier than you think.
• Presented by Jessica from Scribbr.

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Step 1: Search for Relevant Literature

• Definition of Literature: Academic sources like books or journal articles.
• Where to Search: Use scholarly databases such as:
  • Google Scholar
  • JSTOR
  • Science Direct
• Search Techniques: Utilize keywords with boolean operators to filter and refine search results.

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Step 2: Evaluate and Select Sources

• You likely can't read everything; focus on relevant literature.
• Action Steps:
  • Read the abstract to determine relevance.
  • Check the bibliography for additional sources.
  • Pay attention to citation counts on Google Scholar; high counts indicate important sources.

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Step 3: Identify Themes, Debates, and Gaps

• Take notes while reading to observe connections between sources.
• Focus Areas:
  • Trends and patterns in theory, method, or results.
  • Key themes and debates or contradictions.
  • Influential studies and gaps in research.

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Step 4: Outline Your Literature Review’s Structure

• The structure can vary based on the literature review's findings and emphasis.
• Common Approaches:
  • Chronological: From older to more recent publications.
  • Thematic: Organized around key themes.
  • Methodological: Comparison of different research methods used.
  • Theoretical: Discussion of opposing theories or models.

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Step 5: Write the Literature Review

• Ensure your review includes:
  • An introduction
  • A main body that summarizes and synthesizes sources
  • A conclusion
• Similar format to other academic texts.

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Conclusion

• Get started on your literature review!
• For more detailed information, check the additional videos in the playlist.