|
|
Accredited By
|
|
Content Aggregator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Literature Review
A literature review, an integral component of academic writing, serves as a comprehensive compilation and analysis of key sources relevant to a particular topic. Referred to as synthesis, this review engages in a scholarly conversation by examining and discussing sources in relation to one another. While the term "literature review" may suggest a focus on literary works, it encompasses research and scholarship across various disciplines. The terms "the research," "the scholarship," and "the literature" are often used interchangeably when referring to the body of work within a given field.
The decision to undertake a literature review is influenced by distinct situations, each carrying unique expectations. Diverse disciplines exhibit specific norms regarding the structure and purpose of a literature review. For instance, the humanities may emphasize argumentation and interpretation, while the sciences might prioritize the reporting of study designs and results. Familiarizing oneself with discipline-specific conventions is crucial, necessitating consultation with professors or mentors and a thorough examination of examples within the chosen field.
A literature review can manifest within a research paper or scholarly article, typically positioned after the introduction and preceding the research methods sections. In these instances, the review should encompass scholarship crucial to the addressed issue, occasionally incorporating key sources that informed the research methodology. Alternatively, literature reviews may exist as standalone pieces, either as class assignments or publications. In educational settings, a literature review aids students in gaining familiarity with a topic, identifying gaps in existing research, and developing theoretical frameworks for future studies. As a published work, a literature review facilitates the accessibility and comprehension of existing research, proving especially beneficial for scholars entering new research areas or directing entire communities towards unexplored questions.
The structure of a literature review typically follows an introduction-body-conclusion format. In a larger paper, the introduction and conclusion sections may be concise, with the majority of attention focused on the body. Conversely, standalone literature reviews allocate more space to the introduction and conclusion, providing a platform to discuss goals, research methods, and conclusions independently from the literature itself.
The introduction should include a paragraph outlining the working topic and thesis, a forecast of key topics or texts in the review, and possibly a description of source discovery and analysis methods. The body of the literature review involves summarizing and synthesizing sources, analyzing and interpreting findings, and critically evaluating source strengths and weaknesses. Well-structured paragraphs, employing transition words and topic sentences, aid in drawing connections, comparisons, and contrasts. The conclusion summarizes key findings, emphasizes their significance, and connects them back to the primary research question.
Organizing a literature review depends on the goals of the review and can adopt various patterns. Chronological organization traces the topic's development over time, offering historical context. Thematic organization categorizes sources based on recurring central themes, providing a focused examination. Methodological organization compares results and conclusions from sources using different research methods, while theoretical organization forms the foundation for the theoretical framework in humanities articles. It discusses various theories, models, and definitions, advocating for specific theoretical approaches or combining concepts to create a framework for future research.
