Scribd
Upload
579 views12 pages

Literature Review

This document outlines the basic steps for conducting a literature review: 1) Select a topic stated as a well-defined question. 2) Search the literature to find the strongest evidence to support the thesis. 3) Develop an argument by organizing relevant data and claims logically. 4) Survey the literature by assembling, synthesizing and analyzing the data to form conclusions about the current state of knowledge on the topic. 5) Critique the literature by interpreting the current understanding and how previous knowledge answers the research question. 6) Write the review by molding and refining the analysis into a written report that accurately conveys the research.

Uploaded by

Mohammad Tarequzzaman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
579 views12 pages

Literature Review

This document outlines the basic steps for conducting a literature review: 1) Select a topic stated as a well-defined question. 2) Search the literature to find the strongest evidence to support the thesis. 3) Develop an argument by organizing relevant data and claims logically. 4) Survey the literature by assembling, synthesizing and analyzing the data to form conclusions about the current state of knowledge on the topic. 5) Critique the literature by interpreting the current understanding and how previous knowledge answers the research question. 6) Write the review by molding and refining the analysis into a written report that accurately conveys the research.

Uploaded by

Mohammad Tarequzzaman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

Literature Review

What is a Literature Review and How do I do one?

Literature Review
Review

Summarize

Evaluate

Existing knowledge on a particular topic


Its purpose is to produce a position on a state of that
knowledge; that is your thesis.

Basic Literature Review


Research
Interest

Research
Thesis

Research
Topic

Literature
Review

Discover the Literature to Review


Your topic statements provide the direction &
boundaries of your search.
Questions to ask:
What is the subject of your inquiry?
What literature must you include that will tell you about the
subject?

The Literature Review Process

Step 1: Select a Topic


Topic must be stated as a well-defined question
Specify the language
Refine the focus of the interest
Select the academic vantage point
Question:
Does looking at pictures of cute animals put people in a better mood?

Step 2: Search the Literature


Determine what information will be in review
Find data that provide the strongest evidence to support
thesis

Step 3: Develop the Argument


Form your case by arranging your claims logically
Present your case by organizing the relevant data into a body
of evidence that explains what is known about the topic

Step 4: Survey the Literature


Literature survey assembles, synthesizes and analyzes the data
to form the argument about the current knowledge on the
topic
The evidence creates a logical and defensible set of
conclusions or claims
These conclusions provide the basis for addressing the
research question

Step 5: Critique the Literature


The literature critique interprets the current understanding
of the topic
It analyzes how previous knowledge answers the research
question

Step 6: Write the Review


Through composing, molding and refining, the written
literature review becomes a work that accurately conveys the
research

Still need help?


Stop by CSB/SJU Libraries
www.csbsju.edu/library
Information from this presentation from:
McEvoy, Brenda T, and Lawrence A. Machi. The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success. Thousand Oaks,
Calif: Corwin Press, 2009. Print. Available at Clemens Library: LB1047.3 .M33 2009

You might also like