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Literature Review

This research guide will help you research, compile, and understand the elements required for a literature review.

Parts of a Literature Review

Writing a Literature Review

Introduction

  • Purpose:
    • To explain the focus and establish the importance of the subject
  • Components:
    • Framework, selection criteria, and parameters
    • Background and historical context
    • Overview of existing work
    • Field controversies and recent research challenges
    • Purpose statement that either:
      • Evaluates current research state (for standalone reviews)
      • Connects to proposed research (for thesis preparation)

Body

  • Purpose:
    • Summarize and evaluate current field knowledge
    • Identify major themes, trends, and research agreements/disagreements
  • Structure:
    • Organized with clear headings/subheadings
  • For thesis preparation: Focus on research directly supporting your project

Conclusion

  • Purpose:
    • Synthesize evidence and demonstrate significance
    • Analyze current field status
  • For research introductions:
    • Highlight research gaps
    • Connect previous research to methodology
  • For standalone reviews:
    • Discuss practical applications
    • Suggest future research directions

References

  • Follow required style guide (APA, MLA, ASA)
  • Format citations according to guidelines
  • Learn more about proper citation at our Citation Guide

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