Literature Review Basic Information

A literature review is a critical and analytical account of the existing research in order to show your knowledge of a topic, keep yourself and others current on the status of research, and identify areas for further research and analysis.

There are 14 various types of literature reviews as defined by Grant and Booth, 2009, which include:

  • Scoping review – preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available research literature. Aims to identify nature and extent of research evidence.

  • State-of-the-art review – tends to address more current matters in contrast to other combined retrospective and current approaches.

  • Systematic review – seeks to systematically search for, appraise and synthesize research evidence often adhering to guidelines about how to conduct the review.

  • Umbrella review – systematically refers to prior reviews by compiling evidence from multiple reviews into one accessible, usable document.

The purposes of a literature review are:

To provide an organized overview of existing research on a specific topic

  • To take a critical and evaluative perspective toward published research

  • To summarize, synthesize and analyze the arguments of other authors

  • To uncover similarities and differences or consistencies and inconsistencies within existing research

  • To identify a gap within the body or research or how previous research is conflicting or lacking in some way

A “Gap” in research is simply recognizing a need for more research.

Knowing the current research on a topic and then identifying a gap or need for more information on a topic leads to more research that results in contributions to knowledge. Types of gaps can include:

  • Knowledge-based: Most common, occurs when not enough is known about a phenomenon

  • Relationship-based: occurs when certain issues or variables are known well, but relationships between them are unsure

  • Theory-based: occurs when a theory or an aspect of a theory has not been investigated thoroughly, or not been tested in a particular way

  • Methodological: occurs when a research design or methodology has not been applied to a particular phenomenon

  • Analytical: occurs when a phenomenon has not been investigated using a particular analytical approach (i.e., qualitative vs. quantitative)

Critical Reading = Critical Writing

Critical reading and writing is not about thinking negatively or about finding fault in everything you read, write or do. It is about analyzing the information you are receiving, putting it into context and using it to come to a logical conclusion.

A literature review should have an introduction, main body and conclusion with the main body organized by headings and subheadings. Your paper will begin to take shape as you organize the information under each heading and be as detailed as possible.

Consider using “signposted” wording.

Signposts are words or phrases that help articulate the structure of a piece of writing and ensure that readers don’t get lost. Signposting will flag the most important parts of an argument, signal transitions, and clarify the stakes of an argument, and show:

  • Differences between your arguments and examples given

  • Links between sentences to do with same point

  • Links between paragraphs in same section of essay

  • How sections lead to a conclusion or answer

  • That paragraphs or sentence are not independent arguments but they create an “overall picture”

Examples of signposting are the following:

  • To add more ideas: again, furthermore, in addition, moreover

  • To compare or contrast ideas: alternatively, contrastingly, conversely, whereas

  • To prove something: evidently, for this reason, because, inevitably

  • To show exceptions: however, nevertheless, yet, in spite of

  • To repeat or refer back to something: as has been mentioned/noted…/ as previously discussed

  • To show that you will include something later: this will be discussed in detail later

  • To emphasize something: definitely, obviously, inevitably, undeniably

  • To give an example :for instance, in this case, in particular, notably

  • To show the order of things: previously, following this, initially, subsequently, finally

  • To conclude :to summarize, in conclusion, consequently, as has been shown

Tips for Revising

Write, revise, write, revise, and ask the following questions:

  • Is the literature review written in a logical way?

  • Do you Use evidence: your interpretation of the available sources must be backed up with evidence to show that what you are saying is valid

  • Did you summarize and synthesize your sources, and select only the most important points in each source to highlight in the review?

  • Did you use quotes sparingly?  The survey nature of the literature review does not allow for in-depth discussion or detailed quotes from the text.

  • Did you use caution when paraphrasing?  Be sure to represent the author’s information or opinions accurately and in your own words.

  • Did you keep your own voice? Weave references to other sources into text, but maintain own voice. Rewrite or rework the language of your review to make it as concise as possible and use terminology familiar to your audience.

A scientific and academic writing style in general is:

  • Formal

  • Clear

  • Impersonal

  • Cautious

  • Objective

  • Concise

  • Confident

  • Follows conventions e.g. avoids contractions

  • Employs specialist vocabulary

  • Structured

  • Uses continuous prose with paragraphs

  • Signposted

  • Edited and proof read

  • Critical writing style

  • Referenced

Writing Style: Considerations

  • Academic: Neutral, specific, objective, impersonal, generic, formal, no contractions (i.e., use is not  and not isn’t)

  • Non-Discriminatory: Think before you write

  • Non-Sexist: Gender-neutral language

  • Coherence: Flow, link, signpost, clear and concise

  • Cite: References and paraphrases