What is a Literature Review?
- Surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory(ies).
- Summarizes and synthesis, often within specific conceptual categories.
- Provides an overview and critical evaluation of the most significant sources you explored while researching a particular topic
- Demonstrates to your readers how your research fits into your larger field of study.
A Literature Review is NOT a summary of the articles
-- that's an annotated bibliography
Purpose of a Literature Review
Structure of a Literature Review
- Introduction
- Each body paragraphs contains:
- Statement that explains the information presented
- Evidence, including summaries and citations
- Conclusion
Aveyard, H. (2014). Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide.3d ed. New York: Open University Press