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Literature Reviews

Guide on conducting and writing a literature review

Steps for Writing a Literature Review

Introduction

  • Define the topic and purpose of the review.

  • Explain the scope—what is covered and what is excluded.

  • Outline the structure of the review.

Body (Main Discussion)

  • Organize research by themes, theories, methodologies, or chronology.

  • Summarize key findings from relevant studies.

  • Compare perspectives and highlight agreements or contradictions.

  • Identify gaps in existing research and suggest where further study is needed.

Conclusion

  • Summarize overall findings and key insights.

  • Discuss limitations in current research.

  • Suggest directions for future research.

References & Citations

  • Properly cite all sources used (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

  • Ensure all references support your review’s arguments.

Web Resources for Writing Literature Reviews

Here are some web resources to help you with the process of identifying resources, summarizing your findings and writing a literature review. 

Sample Literature Reviews

}Business

Casson, M., & Lee, J. (2011). The Origin and Development of Markets: A Business History PerspectiveBusiness History Review85(1), 9-37. doi: 10.1017/S0007680511000018 

}Psychology
Sample APA Papers: Literature Reviews from the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University.

 }Health Care

Walker, W. (2008, February 15). Accident and emergency staff opinion on the effects of family presence during adult resuscitation: critical literature review.  Journal of Advanced Nursing61(4), 348-362. Retrieved July 7, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database.

Paul, F., & Rattray, J. (2008, May). Short- and long-term impact of critical illness on relatives: literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing62(3), 276-292. Retrieved July 6, 2009, from CINAHL with Full Text database.

}Science

Jonkman, S., Vrijling, J., & Vrouwenvelder, A. (2008). Methods for the estimation of loss of life due to floods: a literature review and a proposal for a new method. Natural Hazards46(3), 353-389.  Retrieved June 9, 2011, from ProQuest Science Journals. (Open access journal).

Resources on Writing A Literature Review