The Literature provides the foundation of the study
The Review builds a coherent argument, answering why the study needs to be conducted
A literature review:
- is purposeful and systematic
- engages in reflective critique
- provides the context for further evidence
- is expected to say something original
A good literature review.....
- identifies & clarifies the key concepts, ideas & theories relating to your research topic
- should be as inclusive as possible, to capture a range of ideas currently in circulation
- sorts the existing research clearly and logically
- summarises and critiques the evidence
- synthesises it all and indicates a research gap for future enquiry
A literature review Is NOT….
- an annotated bibliography - a collection of citations arranged alphabetically with each citation being summarized
- an essay without any attempt at research analysis and synthesis
- about everything that has ever been written on your topic
What will I learn from doing a literature review?
- discover and evaluate research relevant to your field
- identify methodologies relevant to your study
- familiarise yourself and your readers with what has been written on your topic
- discover key concepts and gaps in the research
- establish a theoretical basis for your research
- position your research in context with what has been previously written on your topic
