What is a Literature Review paper?

It synthesizes the key theories and results of a field of study.

It describes, evaluates, and critiques a large number of resources, demonstrates how work in that area evolved, and discusses the influences that made a difference.

Stages in writing a literature review paper

How to select a good research topic?

Well-explored; narrow and focused; that interests you

How to search literature? What library resources can you use?

How to select your literature?

How to read your literature?

Read the simplest one first; then move on more challenging ones.

How to take notes? What to include?

What is the general structure of a literature review paper?

? introduction

Provide a context for why you are reviewing the literature: Define the general topic, issue, or area of concern

Point out trend/conflicts in theories, methodology, evidence, conclusions/gaps/a problem

Concluding the introduction: 1) point of view: establish your reason for reviewing the literature; explain the criteria you use; and 2) how you organize the literature; 3) if necessary, explain why certain literature is or is not included; ? body

Organizing principles of the body: chronological, thematic, methodological

Remember

You are analyzing and synthesizing the articles you’ve read; it should not be a list of summaries;

? conclusion

summarize major contributions of significant studies or articles; point of methodological flaws or gaps in research, inconsistencies in theories and findings; provide an insight into the relationship between the topic and a larger area of study