Literature Reviews
A literature review examines and evluates research on a topic by analyzing and comparing peer-reviewed articles and scholarly sources. It synthesizes existing research to support your own contributions.
Purpose
A literature review goes beyond summarizing to provide your own interpretations, hypotheses, and conclusions. Your critical examination of the literature should focus on:
- Identifying patterns, trends, or gaps in the literature
- Providing background information and context
- Highlighting key concepts and important publications
- Comparing methodologies and insights
- Exploring diverse viewpoints or controversies on the subject
A literature review can be a section of a research paper, or a stand-alone report. It is an essential part of the research process that demonstrates that you understand your topic, explains why your research matters, and highlights how your work adds new insight to the field.
Process
Define Your Research Question
A literature review can be comprehensive, examining all published literature on a topic, or limited to a specific timeframe, population, or other criteria. You may find that you need to broaden or narrow your topic as you begin looking at the available research – all part of the research process.
Search for Relevant Literature
Ssearch library resources such as research databases, and develop your search strategy for relevant literature. See tesearch by subject for recommended databases and other sources for your literature search, or conact your subject librarian.
Evaluate and Organize Your Sources
Evaluate your sources to make sure they are relevant to your topic and appropriate for your research. Look at impact factors such as the number of times an article has been cited in subsequently published articles and make sure you include any major influential works.
A citation manager helps keep your sources organized, collaborate with a team, and can format and add citations to your finished paper.
Analyze and Synthesize
Compare and contrast your sources and critically evaluate their claims and methods. Look for patterns, contradictions, biases, or limitations. Highlight any gaps in the literature and compare viewpoints, theories, and methodologies. Provide your own conclusions and support for why your research contributes to the scholarly conversation.
Write your Review
UNE’s Student Academic Success Center (SASC) can help you with writing your paper, including grammar, style, drafting, and revision.
Questions & Help
If you have questions on this, or another topic, contact a librarian for help!