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sample literature review

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Writing a literature review

Tips, help and tutorials to guide your literature review process.

  • Citation Management

What is a literature review? 

A literature review is a critical evaluation of the research on a particular topic. It is a synthesis of what the existing research on your topic says- your perspective guides how you put that existing research together- the purpose is to identify a gap in in the research in order to identify areas for future research and progress within the topic. 

Check out this short video for a more visual explanation of what a literature review is:

These are links to various sources from around the web with information, strategies and tips for writing a literature review. 

  • Harvard Graduate School of Education - The Literature Review: A Research Journey Excellent online guide that introduces the basics of conducting a literature review in the social sciences, with a focus on education.
  • UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Guide for Literature Reviews This handout from UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Lab offers detailed information and tips for writing a literature review.
  • Literature Reviews -- Beware the List Blog post on writing literature reviews from Pat Thomson, Professor of Education in the School of Education, The University of Nottingham.
  • Beginning the literature review -- The art of scan reading Part of a blog post series on literature reviews from Pat Thomson.
  • Beginning the literature review -- Taking notes Part of a blog post series on literature reviews from Pat Thomson.
  • Literature Review Matrix Examples This page from Walden University gives examples of different types of literature review matrices. A matrix can be very helpful in taking notes and preparing sources for your literature review.

There are also two other short videos from the University of Maryland University College which give an introduction to both what a literature review is and isn't, and how to begin your writing process.

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  • Last Updated: Nov 20, 2024 9:23 AM
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