How to Write a Literature Review
Current and timely background research is key to a good research paper. Therefore, it would be of great importance on how to write a review of literature. Two sources I used to gather information for this include Claremont Graduate University’s writers’ guide as well as a paper by a professor at the San Jose State University on how to write a literature review. There were several themes present in both sources. Once a topic is selected, the review of individual articles should summarize previous pertinent research in the field, and identify relationships, contradictions, and inconsistencies in the literature, as well as provide a base for new research (CGU Writing Center, 2009).
Rather than cite information directly from the studies, the literature review should focus on broad themes among all of the current findings. If there are certain theories that are common, or are contested by several articles, these should be given attention (CGU Writing Center, 2009). Eliminate articles which have been contested or seem inconsistent with general findings (Christensen, 2000). Additionally, look for authors whose work is cited frequently, and see if they have additional work which could assist in research. A review of literature should define terminology associated with these themes, especially if the topic in question is technical or highly specific. Through these themes, the reader should gain a better understanding of how the reviewed literature is leading into the topic of the paper.
Several strategies for writing reviews of literature include being selective about the material; once again look for general themes. Also, try writing an outline of specifically the literature review. One helpful strategy is to summarize each study’s findings on a note card, and use these to find themes.
CGU Writing Center. (2009). Writing Literature Reviews. Retrieved February 28, 2010 from http://www.cgu.edu/pages/899.asp
Christensen, Carol. (2000, December). Guidelines for Writing a Review of Literature. Retrieved February 28, 2010 from http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/christen/review_guidelines.html
