What is a literature review and how do I write one?

Answer

A literature review:

• Focuses on a specific topic – your argument or problem as stated in your thesis.

• Compiles the research that has been published on the topic by recognized scholars and researchers.

• Provides background for the problem or puts the problem into historical perspective.

• Informs the reader about the current concepts and state of research on the topic and any controversies.

• Describes the pros and cons of particular studies and may suggest areas for further research.

• Organizes the citations thematically into a narrative that can serve as the introduction to your report or that can be an individual essay.

A literature review is NOT:

• A literary review describing and evaluating a specific book, poem, play, etc.

• An exhaustive, alphabetical list of every work consulted in your research, nor a list of references cited.

• An annotated bibliography listing references and adding brief notes about the value of each source.

  • Last Updated Apr 22, 2018
  • Views 17
  • Answered By Merlene Nembhard

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