Literature Review

Literature Review

Writing the Literature Review / Using the Literature

Most research reports and theses have a literature review, which discusses the "literature" around your research topic. The lit. review is often the second section or chapter of your work, coming directly after the introduction. However, you may need to discuss the literature in a number of sections in your report. For example:
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methodology – most people include some theory about their chosen methods. discussion – this section often links your findings back to the literature

In other assignments you will be using research (literature) to support points you are making in relation your topic. You will need to know how to integrate this material with your own writing.

What is ‘the literature’?
The literature refers to the previous works or sources of information relevant to your research area, both theoretical (ideas-based) or empirical (collected or observed data). This selected material may include:
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primary sources • first hand reports of research found in academic journal articles, books of collected articles or conference papers • other original materials, such as historical documents, company reports, diaries or works of art or literature. secondary sources • critical evaluations and syntheses of original studies tertiary sources • information and ideas often put together from secondary sources, e.g. text books that provide a broad overview of the topic.

What's the purpose of a literature review?
The main purpose is to locate your research in the context of what is already known in your topic area. Your literature review will:
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identify "the gap" in the existing knowledge indicate where your research fits make a case for the necessity of your research

NOTE: The literature review is not: • a summary of studies in your field one by one, paragraph by paragraph • a complete historical background to your topic area.

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