Literature Review

A literature review is a critical analysis of published sources, or literature, on a particular topic. It is an essential part of academic research, as it provides an overview of what has been said and done on a specific subject, helps to identify gaps in the existing literature, and establishes a foundation for a new study or research paper.

Here are key points about a literature review:

• Purpose: The main purpose of a literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on a topic, including theories, methodologies, key concepts, and findings.

• Scope: It involves identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant literature from books, journal articles, conference proceedings, theses, and other sources.

• Critical Analysis: A literature review does not just summarize sources; it critically evaluates them. This means examining the strengths and weaknesses of different studies, identifying contradictions or gaps in the research, and discussing the overall state of knowledge in the field.

• Structure: While the structure can vary depending on the requirements of the assignment or the field of study, a typical literature review includes an introduction, the body of the review where sources are discussed thematically or chronologically, and a conclusion that summarizes the main findings.

• Synthesis: One of the key aspects of a literature review is synthesis. This involves drawing connections between different sources, identifying trends or patterns, and presenting a coherent picture of the existing knowledge.

• Identifying Gaps: Through the literature review process, researchers can identify areas where more research is needed. These gaps in the literature can become the basis for a new research question or study.

• Citing Sources: It is crucial to properly cite all sources used in a literature review following a specific citation style (such as APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Literature reviews are common in academic papers, theses, dissertations, and research articles. They are valuable not only for showcasing a researcher's understanding of a topic but also for demonstrating how their own work fits into the broader context of existing scholarship.

For more information, visit the Literature Review 101 guide.

Reference: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center. (n.d.). Literature reviews. The Writing Center. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/literature-reviews/