Literature Review Basic Information

Literature Review

A critical and analytical account of existing research to demonstrate knowledge of a topic, stay updated on research status, and identify areas for further research and analysis.

Scoping Review

A preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available research literature to identify the nature and extent of research evidence.

State-of-the-Art Review

Focuses on current matters and contrasts with other retrospective and current approaches in literature reviews.

Systematic Review

A review that systematically searches for, appraises, and synthesizes research evidence, often following specific guidelines.

Umbrella Review

Refers to prior reviews by compiling evidence from multiple reviews into one accessible document.

Gap in Research

Recognizing a need for more research in a specific area, which can be knowledge-based, relationship-based, theory-based, methodological, or analytical.

Critical Reading

Analyzing information, putting it into context, and using it to come to a logical conclusion.

Introduction (in a literature review)

The opening section of a literature review that provides an overview of the topic.

Main Body (in a literature review)

The central section of a literature review organized by headings and subheadings, containing detailed information.

Conclusion (in a literature review)

The closing section of a literature review that summarizes the main findings and implications.

Signposting

Words or phrases that articulate the structure of a piece of writing, helping readers navigate through the content.

Revising (in a literature review)

The process of reviewing and improving the content, organization, and clarity of a literature review.

Scientific and Academic Writing Style

Formal, clear, impersonal, cautious, objective, concise, confident, follows conventions, employs specialist vocabulary, structured, signposted, edited and proofread, and referenced.

Academic Writing Style

Neutral, specific, objective, impersonal, generic, formal, avoids contractions, and uses continuous prose with paragraphs.