Write a Literature Review
Take a step-by-step approach to writing a lit review.
Introduction
Literature reviews take time. Here is some general information to know before you start.
- VIDEO -- This video is a great overview of the entire process. (2020; North Carolina State University Libraries)
--The transcript is included
--This is for everyone; ignore the mention of "graduate students"
--9.5 minutes, and every second is important
- OVERVIEW -- Read this page from Purdue's OWL. It's not long, and gives some tips to fill in what you just learned from the video.
- NOT A RESEARCH ARTICLE -- A literature review follows a different style, format, and structure from a research article.
| Lit Review Article | Research Article | |
| Does What? | Reports on the work of others. | Reports on original research. |
| Purpose | To examine and evaluate previous literature. |
To test a hypothesis and/or make an argument. May include a short literature review to introduce the subject. |
Steps to Completing a Literature Review
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FindConduct searches for relevant information. -
EvaluateCritically review your sources. -
SummarizeDetermine the most important and relevant information from each source, theories, findings, etc. -
SynthesizeCreate a synthesis matrix to find connections between resources, and ensure your sources relate to your main ideas. -
IntegrateUse the synthesis matrix to organize your literature review. Integrate the individual main ideas to put together the state of knowledge related to your topic.