How to write a literature review

A literature review is a critical evaluation of existing research on a specific topic. To write a literature review, follow these steps:

1. Choose a topic: Select a topic that is relevant to your field of study and narrow it down to a specific area of interest.
2. Search for literature: Use academic databases, such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, to find relevant articles, books, and other sources on your topic.
3. Read and evaluate the literature: Read the sources you have collected and evaluate their relevance, credibility, and usefulness. Take notes and organize the information in a logical way.
4. Write the review: Begin by introducing your topic and providing background information. Then, present the main findings of the literature, grouping sources by theme or topic. Be sure to critically evaluate the literature, highlighting any gaps or inconsistencies in the research.
5. Conclude: Summarize the main points of your review and explain the implications of the literature for your own research or for the field as a whole.

Remember to cite all sources using proper citation style and format as required by your instructor or department

Qualities of a good literature review

A good literature review should have the following qualities:

1. Relevance: The literature review should be focused on a specific topic and should be relevant to the research question or problem being studied.
2. Breadth: A good literature review should cover a wide range of sources, including both primary and secondary literature, and should represent different perspectives on the topic.
3. Depth: The literature review should provide a thorough and detailed examination of the sources, rather than just a superficial overview.
4. Critical analysis: A good literature review should critically evaluate the sources, highlighting any gaps, inconsistencies, or limitations in the research.
5. Cohesion: The literature review should be well-organized and cohesive, with a clear structure and logical flow of ideas.
6. Clarity: The literature review should be written in clear, concise and easy to understand language, avoiding jargon and technical terms as much as possible.
7. Current: A good literature review should be up to date, including the most recent research on the topic, and should reflect the current state of knowledge in the field.
8. Properly cited: The literature review should be properly cited in the required format, giving credit to the authors of the sources used.

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