How to write a literature review · Help

 Source: http://library.concordia.ca/help/writing/literature-review.php

How to write a literature review

On this page

• What is a literature review
• Purpose of the literature review
• Components of the literature review
• Steps in the literature review process
• Evaluating sources
• Examples of a published literature review
• Additional sources on writing literature reviews

See also

• How to write an annotated bibliography
• How to write a book review & a book report
• How to write a research paper

What is a literature review

The literature review is a written overview of major writings and
other sources on a selected topic. Sources covered in the review may
include scholarly journal articles, books, government reports, Web
sites, etc. The literature review provides a description, summary and
evaluation of each source. It is usually presented as a distinct section
of a graduate thesis or dissertation.

Purpose of the literature review

The purpose of the literature review is to provide a critical written
account of the current state of research on a selected topic:

• Identifies areas of prior scholarship
• Places each source in the context of its contribution to the
  understanding of the specific issue, area of research, or theory under
  review.
• Describes the relationship of each source to the others that you have selected
• Identifies new ways to interpret, and shed light on any gaps in, previous research
• Points the way forward for further research.

Components of the literature review

The literature review should include the following:

• Objective of the literature review
• Overview of the subject under consideration.
• Clear categorization of sources selected into those in support of your
• particular position, those opposed, and those offering completely different arguments.
• Discussion of both the distinctiveness of each source and its similarities with the others.

Steps in the literature review process

Preparation of a literature review may be divided into four steps:

1. Define your subject and the scope of the review.
2. Search the library catalogue, subject specific databases and other search tools to find sources that are relevant to your topic.
3. Read and evaluate the sources and to determine their suitability to the understanding of topic at hand (see the Evaluating sources section).
4. Analyse, interpret and discuss the findings and conclusions of the sources you selected.

Evaluating sources

In assessing each source, consideration should be given to:

• What is the author's expertise in this particular field of study (credentials)?
• Are the author's arguments supported by empirical evidence (e.g. quantitative/qualitative studies)?
• Is the author's perspective too biased in one direction or are opposing studies and viewpoints also considered?
• Does the selected source contribute to a more profound understanding of the subject?

Examples of a published literature review

Literature reviews are often published as scholarly articles,
books, and reports. Here is an example of a recent literature review
published as a scholarly journal article:

Ledesma, M. C., & Calderón, D.
(2015). Critical race theory in education: A review of past literature
and a look to the future. Qualitative Inquiry, 21(3), 206-222. Link to the article

Additional sources on writing literature reviews

Further information on the literature review process may be found below:

• Booth, A., Papaioannou, D., & Sutton, A. (2012). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review
• Fink, A. (2010). Conducting research literature reviews : from the Internet to paper
• Galvin, J. (2006). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences
• Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2012). The literature review: Six steps to success

Adapted with permission and thanks from How to Write a Literature Review originally created by Kenneth Lyons, McHenry Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.

How to write a literature review · Help