What is a literature review?
A literature review is an objective, critical summary of published research literature relevant to a topic
under consideration for research. Its purpose is to create familiarity with current thinking and research on
a particular topic, and may justify future research into a previously overlooked or understudied area.
Why write a literature review?
A literature review is important, as it provides an overview and an analytical analysis of what is known about a
particular topic. It establishes and identifies:
- An understanding and knowledge of a topic.
- The current research in this area.
- Gaps in the literature that helps justify your research.
- The context for your research and illustrates how it relates to the wider research landscape in this area.
- The key authors writing in this field
How to approach the literature review
One way to approach a literature review is to start out broad and then become more specific. Think
of it as an inverted triangle, or a funnel.
Using the funnel comparison, find:
- The background information to your topic. This will identify the broader issues and research
related to your topic and help you orient it, in the wider subject context. - Narrow downyour focus and identify the research that is closer to your area of research.
- Focus on specific research that is directly related to your topic
Funnel approach to literature reviews
Go broad
Start by looking at the broader issues around your project. Look at works that
give a general overview of your topic and put it into the context of the bigger
research landscape.
This will show an awareness of the breadth of your subject.
Narrow down
Then try and focus your research on issues that are more related to your topic.
Focus on the specific
Look at the most relevant research that relates to your topic and spend more
time discussing these key studies that are directly related to your research.
Structuring a Literature Review
Introduction: Sets the stage by defining the core theories and main ideas of the research topic.
Main Body: Organizes sources logically, moving from broad background information down to specific studies. It also points out what is missing or flawed in the current research.
Conclusion: Briefly wraps up the findings, explains how past studies support your work, and suggests next steps for future research.