Writing a Literature Review
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Transcript of Writing a Literature Review
Tips for writing a literature review from the McIntyre Library at the
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Writing a Literature Review
What is a literature review?A description of literature published about
a specific topic.An overview of significant literature
published on a topic.Specifies the significant contributions to
the understanding of the topic.May identify gaps in knowledge about a
specific topic.
Literature Review versus Research Paper
Literature Review Research PaperSynthesis and
summary of other people’s arguments and ideas
Emphasis on the sources, not the argument
Uses evidence to support an argument or idea
Greater emphasis on argument and analysis than on sources
Four step process
Selecting a topicPick a topic about which books and articles
are published. Choose a well-defined topic.Write about what interests you.
Literature SearchConsider several topics before selecting oneFind at least one pivotal book or article
(resource)Do you understand the main point of the
book/article? Search comprehensively using library databasesCan you access the resources needed to
conduct your literature review?Don’t put off your literature search because you
may need to request articles via Interlibrary LoanA 5-10 year retrospective is a good timeframe
to keep in mind
Reading strategiesLocate and write notes about:
Research questionFindingsConclusion
Read carefully for precise differences & relationships between resources (and write these differences down!)
Reading strategies continued…Organize resources by sub-topic. This will
help you to:Synthesize your findingsNote gaps in knowledge
Give yourself time to read all items. Take notes on each article.Be sure to write down direct quotes.
Writing strategiesFind a focus.Construct a thesis statement.Plan your organization.
IntroductionBody – organization within the body!Conclusion
Finding your focus
Final Tips…Use evidenceBe selectiveUse quotes in moderation Summarize & SynthesizeMaintain your own voiceDon’t plagiarize!
More tips…Avoid vague referencesDon’t start each paragraph the same wayDon’t just list each source one after the
other with a description or summaryThe narrower your topic, the easier it will
be to get a good survey of the sources available
Sources:Galvan, J.L. (2004). Writing Literature
Reviews. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.University of California – Santa Cruz. How
to Write a Literature Review. Accessed online at http://library.ucsc.edu/ref/howto/literaturereview.html
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Literature Reviews. Accessed online at http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/literature_review.html
Questions?