Writing a Literature Review: Tips and Guidelines

The main purpose of the literature review is to identify and document how others have tried to solve the research problem, the methods they used, and the contribution previous works have made to the topic.

The literature review should be written thoughtfully, analyzing and synthesizing the information from previous works. It should not just be a collection of quotes and conclusions, but rather a critical review that states the objectives of previous works and shows the importance and benefit of these works.

A well-structured literature review should include: 1) Identification and documentation of how others have tried to solve the research problem and the methods they used; 2) An explanation of the contribution previous works have made to the topic; 3) A summary, in the writer's own words, of the relevant parts of the references consulted; 4) An analysis and synthesis of the information from previous works, rather than just a collection of quotes and conclusions.

<p>Summarizing the relevant parts of references in your own words is important in order to correctly convey the current state of knowledge on the topic, without changing the meaning of the original sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Analyzing and synthesizing the information from previous works, rather than just providing a collection of quotes and conclusions, is important because it allows the writer to critically review the literature, state the objectives of previous works, and show the importance and benefit of these works in relation to the current research topic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Identifying gaps in knowledge relevant to the research topic</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Correctness and relevance of the focus to the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Achievement of the review goal</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Objective presentation of ideas/arguments/theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Importance of sound research-based evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Significance of critically appraising key sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main purpose of the introduction section is to clearly define the research topic or problem and provide a summary of current theories and knowledge related to it, highlighting different theories, trends, and gaps in knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Information should be structured logically, grouping it by topic or subtopic (referred to as a thematic structure) in accordance with the research question, aims, and objectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The writing process should begin immediately, with refinements and restructuring done later.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The recommended approach is to write thoughtfully, analyzing and synthesizing information, rather than just providing a collection of quotes and conclusions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the early stages, an outline of the review should be developed as soon as possible, focusing on the research topic or problem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The purpose is to show the importance and benefit of these works, rather than just presenting a collection of quotes and conclusions.</p> Signup and view all the answers