Writing Your Literature Review
Created by staff at the OLLU Mary Francine Danis University Writing
Center
What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review (or review of literature) is an essay that introduces readers to the key sources on a topic or a question. It’s like a guided tour of the key sources on a topic.
Why Do We Write Literature Reviews?
• Establish credibility.
• Analyze existing sources.
• Show connections among previous studies.
• Provide foundation for new research.
Literature Review, Sample Page
Literature Review, Link to Sample Paper
Sample APA papers: Literature review. Online Writing Lab (OWL):
http://faculty.mwsu.edu/psychology/Laura.Spiller/Experimental/sample_apa_style_litreview.pdf
Literature Review vs. Research Paper
• Similarity: in both, you accumulate sources to help you and your readers understand a topic.
Literature Review vs. Research Paper
• Research paper
– Clear window
– Focus on topic: view it through the sources
• Literature review
– Stained glass window
– Focus on sources themselves: key ideas; quality, value
Literature Review
vs. Annotated Bibliography
• Similarity: in both, you summarize the sources and comment on their value.
• Difference:
– Annotated bibliography: list of sources with brief comments.
– Review of literature: an essay, with developed paragraphs and transitions.
Packing for Trip into LitRevLand (1)
• Plan backwards and start early.
• Brainstorm.
• Create guiding question.
• Seek librarians’ help.
Packing for Trip: Creative Searching
– Look at a dictionary or thesaurus for synonyms.
– Look at References or Works Cited in the articles you find.
– Look for a few “extra” sources; don’t stop with the minimum.
Packing for Trip: Reading & Note-Taking
• Read articles more than once.
• Print articles for easy reference and annotation.
• Make notes. – On copies
– On separate sheets of paper
– On synthesis matrix (see next slide)
• Look for keywords: thesis, main point, methodology, strategy, key, etc.
• Highlight very short quotes that you might use.
Synthesis Matrix
http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/PDF%20Handouts/synthesis%20matrix.pdf
Source #1 Source #2 Source #3 Source #4
Main Idea #1
Main Idea #2
Create a Tentative Map
• Order of Sources
– Possibly chronological, but not necessarily
– Sample paper from Ashton (n.d.): • Response to mentally ill
people
• Reduction of fear and rejection through contact
• Ways to arrange contact for best effect
Organizing Your Review: Introduction
• Introduction – Identify topic
– Identify trends • General directions
• Conflicts
• Gaps
• New problem or perspective
– Give overview • Your point of view, using third
person
• Your criteria (expectations, standards) for analyzing and evaluating sources
• Your organizational plan for the review
Organizing Your Review: Body
– Discuss each source • Main point
• Support
• Value
– Show connections among the sources • Similarities
• Contrasts
– Use transitions to maintain the flow
• See guide and sample in William Ashton’s piece, “Writing a Short Literature Review”:
http://www.york.cuny.edu/~washton/student/Org-Behavior/lit_rev_eg.pdf
Conclude Your Review
• Let readers know that you’re wrapping up the essay, not just stopping.
• Remind readers of key ideas.
Use Resources for APA
• EasyBib
– OLLU / Sueltenfuss Library / Citation Tools
– http://www.ollusa.edu/s/1190/ollu-3-column.aspx?sid=1190&gid=1&pgid=2695
• Purdue OWL
– http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
Review Your Review! • Writing Center
– Make an appointment ahead of time using WC Online! Register a profile at https://ollusa.mywconline.com using your school email address and your same password for your email. Log in and schedule appointments at your convenience.
– Call or email for assistance with WC Online: 210-431-4199; [email protected]
• Smarthinking – myOLLU / Application Links
What Else Should You Remember?
• Keep your readers in mind.
– Use language that YOU understand.
– You’re the tour guide, helping readers understand a portion of the field.
• Allow time for revising!
References
• Ashton, W. (n.d.) Writing a short literature review. Retrieved from http://www.york.cuny.edu/~washton/student/Org-Behavior/lit_rev_eg.pdf
• Learn how to write a review of the literature. (2012). The Writer’s Handbook. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved from http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html
• Paiz, J. M., Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., . . . Keck, R. (2013). APA formatting and style guide: General format. Retrieved from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
• Remillard, G. (2013). APA style 6th edition guides/Sample papers/Templates. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1747981/APA_Style_6th_Edition_Guides_Sample_Papers_Templates
• Writing a literature review and using a synthesis matrix (2006). Writing & Speaking Tutorial Services. North Carolina State University. Retrieved from http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/PDF%20Handouts/synthesis%20matrix.pdf
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