How to write a literature review

Study Notes

Literature review is a survey of scholarly sources focused on a specific topic.
Literature review provides an overview of current knowledge on the topic.
Literature helps identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in existing research.
This information can later be applied to a paper, thesis, or dissertation.

Analyze sources
Synthesize information
Critically evaluate to show a clear state of knowledge on the subject.
Literature review situates research within existing knowledge.
Demonstrate familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context.
Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research.
Position your research in relation to other researchers and theorists.
Show how the research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate.
Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate knowledge of scholarly debates.

Often the foundation for a theoretical framework.
Discusses theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.
Argue for the relevance of a theoretical approach or combine theoretical concepts.

Compares results/conclusions from different disciplines using varied research methods.
Look at results that have emerged in qualitative vs. quantitative research.
Discusses empirical vs. theoretical approaches to the topic.
Divides the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources.

Organizes the literature review into subsections based on recurring central themes.
Key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

Traces the development of the topic over time.
Analyze patterns, turning points, and key debates that shaped the field's direction.
Give your interpretation of why certain developments occurred.

Address the question or problem the author is addressing.
Define the key concepts.
Identify the key theories, models, and methods.
Identify if the research uses established frameworks or an innovative approach.
Identify the results and conclusion of the study.
Review how the publication relates to other literature in the field to confirm, add, or challenge established knowledge.
Note the strengths and weaknesses of the research.

One author: (Smith, 2020) or Smith (2020)
Two authors: (Smith & Jones, 2020) or Smith and Jones (2020)
Three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020) or Smith et al. (2020)
Organization as author: (Scribbr, 2020) or Scribbr (2020)
Missing author: (Source Title, 2020)
No date: (Smith, n.d.)
Page number: (Smith, 2020, Chapter 3) or (Smith, 2020).
Theoretical framework is a foundational review of existing theories.
Framework serves as a roadmap for arguments in your work.
Develop theories by researchers to explain phenomena, draw connections, and make predictions.
Explain the existing theories that support your research.
Show that your paper/dissertation topic is relevant and grounded in established ideas.

Justifies and contextualizes later research.
Serves as a crucial first step for a research paper, thesis, or dissertation.
Can be integrated into a literature review chapter or as its own section/chapter.
If research deals with complex theories, use a separate theoretical framework chapter.
No fixed rules for structuring, but ensure a clear, logical structure
Draw on research questions, structuring each section around a question/key concept.
Organize framework by theory cluster or by date.
Information should be clear for the reader and seek feedback from others.
Properly cite sources to avoid plagiarism.