abstracts of literature reviews

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Writing a Literature Review

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A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis ). The lit review is an important genre in many disciplines, not just literature (i.e., the study of works of literature such as novels and plays). When we say “literature review” or refer to “the literature,” we are talking about the research ( scholarship ) in a given field. You will often see the terms “the research,” “the scholarship,” and “the literature” used mostly interchangeably.

Where, when, and why would I write a lit review?

There are a number of different situations where you might write a literature review, each with slightly different expectations; different disciplines, too, have field-specific expectations for what a literature review is and does. For instance, in the humanities, authors might include more overt argumentation and interpretation of source material in their literature reviews, whereas in the sciences, authors are more likely to report study designs and results in their literature reviews; these differences reflect these disciplines’ purposes and conventions in scholarship. You should always look at examples from your own discipline and talk to professors or mentors in your field to be sure you understand your discipline’s conventions, for literature reviews as well as for any other genre.

A literature review can be a part of a research paper or scholarly article, usually falling after the introduction and before the research methods sections. In these cases, the lit review just needs to cover scholarship that is important to the issue you are writing about; sometimes it will also cover key sources that informed your research methodology.

Lit reviews can also be standalone pieces, either as assignments in a class or as publications. In a class, a lit review may be assigned to help students familiarize themselves with a topic and with scholarship in their field, get an idea of the other researchers working on the topic they’re interested in, find gaps in existing research in order to propose new projects, and/or develop a theoretical framework and methodology for later research. As a publication, a lit review usually is meant to help make other scholars’ lives easier by collecting and summarizing, synthesizing, and analyzing existing research on a topic. This can be especially helpful for students or scholars getting into a new research area, or for directing an entire community of scholars toward questions that have not yet been answered.

What are the parts of a lit review?

Most lit reviews use a basic introduction-body-conclusion structure; if your lit review is part of a larger paper, the introduction and conclusion pieces may be just a few sentences while you focus most of your attention on the body. If your lit review is a standalone piece, the introduction and conclusion take up more space and give you a place to discuss your goals, research methods, and conclusions separately from where you discuss the literature itself.

Introduction:

• An introductory paragraph that explains what your working topic and thesis is
• A forecast of key topics or texts that will appear in the review
• Potentially, a description of how you found sources and how you analyzed them for inclusion and discussion in the review (more often found in published, standalone literature reviews than in lit review sections in an article or research paper)
• Summarize and synthesize: Give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole
• Analyze and interpret: Don’t just paraphrase other researchers – add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
• Critically Evaluate: Mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
• Write in well-structured paragraphs: Use transition words and topic sentence to draw connections, comparisons, and contrasts.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance
• Connect it back to your primary research question

How should I organize my lit review?

Lit reviews can take many different organizational patterns depending on what you are trying to accomplish with the review. Here are some examples:

• Chronological : The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time, which helps familiarize the audience with the topic (for instance if you are introducing something that is not commonly known in your field). If you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order. Try to analyze the patterns, turning points, and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred (as mentioned previously, this may not be appropriate in your discipline — check with a teacher or mentor if you’re unsure).
• Thematic : If you have found some recurring central themes that you will continue working with throughout your piece, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic. For example, if you are reviewing literature about women and religion, key themes can include the role of women in churches and the religious attitude towards women.
• Qualitative versus quantitative research
• Empirical versus theoretical scholarship
• Divide the research by sociological, historical, or cultural sources
• Theoretical : In many humanities articles, the literature review is the foundation for the theoretical framework. You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts. You can argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach or combine various theorical concepts to create a framework for your research.

What are some strategies or tips I can use while writing my lit review?

Any lit review is only as good as the research it discusses; make sure your sources are well-chosen and your research is thorough. Don’t be afraid to do more research if you discover a new thread as you’re writing. More info on the research process is available in our "Conducting Research" resources .

As you’re doing your research, create an annotated bibliography ( see our page on the this type of document ). Much of the information used in an annotated bibliography can be used also in a literature review, so you’ll be not only partially drafting your lit review as you research, but also developing your sense of the larger conversation going on among scholars, professionals, and any other stakeholders in your topic.

Usually you will need to synthesize research rather than just summarizing it. This means drawing connections between sources to create a picture of the scholarly conversation on a topic over time. Many student writers struggle to synthesize because they feel they don’t have anything to add to the scholars they are citing; here are some strategies to help you:

• It often helps to remember that the point of these kinds of syntheses is to show your readers how you understand your research, to help them read the rest of your paper.
• Writing teachers often say synthesis is like hosting a dinner party: imagine all your sources are together in a room, discussing your topic. What are they saying to each other?
• Look at the in-text citations in each paragraph. Are you citing just one source for each paragraph? This usually indicates summary only. When you have multiple sources cited in a paragraph, you are more likely to be synthesizing them (not always, but often
• Read more about synthesis here.

The most interesting literature reviews are often written as arguments (again, as mentioned at the beginning of the page, this is discipline-specific and doesn’t work for all situations). Often, the literature review is where you can establish your research as filling a particular gap or as relevant in a particular way. You have some chance to do this in your introduction in an article, but the literature review section gives a more extended opportunity to establish the conversation in the way you would like your readers to see it. You can choose the intellectual lineage you would like to be part of and whose definitions matter most to your thinking (mostly humanities-specific, but this goes for sciences as well). In addressing these points, you argue for your place in the conversation, which tends to make the lit review more compelling than a simple reporting of other sources.

The Guide to Literature Reviews

• What is a Literature Review?
• The Purpose of Literature Reviews
• Guidelines for Writing a Literature Review
• How to Organize a Literature Review?
• Software for Literature Reviews
• Using Artificial Intelligence for Literature Reviews
• How to Conduct a Literature Review?
• Common Mistakes and Pitfalls in a Literature Review
• Methods for Literature Reviews
• What is a Systematic Literature Review?
• What is a Narrative Literature Review?
• What is a Descriptive Literature Review?
• What is a Scoping Literature Review?
• What is a Realist Literature Review?
• What is a Critical Literature Review?
• Meta Analysis vs. Literature Review
• What is an Umbrella Literature Review?
• Differences Between Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews
• Literature Review vs. Theoretical Framework
• How to Write a Literature Review?
• How to Structure a Literature Review?
• How to Make a Cover Page for a Literature Review?
• Importance of a literature review abstract

How to write a literature review abstract?

Key reminders when writing a literature review abstract.

• How to Write a Literature Review Introduction?
• How to Write the Body of a Literature Review?
• How to Write a Literature Review Conclusion?
• How to Make a Literature Review Bibliography?
• How to Format a Literature Review?
• How Long Should a Literature Review Be?
• Examples of Literature Reviews
• How to Present a Literature Review?
• How to Publish a Literature Review?

How to Write a Literature Review Abstract?

A well-crafted abstract is the initial point of contact between your research and its potential audience. It is crucial to present your work in the best possible light. A literature review abstract is a concise summary of the key points and findings of a literature review that is published as a full paper. It serves as a snapshot of the review, providing readers with a quick overview of the research topic , objectives, main findings, and implications .

Unlike the full literature review, the abstract does not delve into detailed analysis or discussion but highlights the most critical aspects. An abstract helps readers decide whether the full article is relevant to their interests and needs by encapsulating the essence of the literature review. A literature review abstract offers a condensed version of the study that helps researchers identify the review's relevance to their work. This is important in academic settings, where individuals often revise numerous journal articles and papers to find pertinent information. A clear and informative abstract saves time and effort.

Here are the steps we recommend when writing abstracts for literature reviews:

Introduce the research topic : Begin by stating the subject of your literature review. Explain its significance and relevance in your field. Provide context that highlights the broader impact and necessity of your review. For example, "This literature review focuses on the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems and its significance in developing sustainable management strategies."

State objectives : Clearly outline the literature review's main objectives or purposes. Specify what you aim to achieve, such as identifying gaps in the literature, synthesizing existing research, or proposing new directions for future studies. For instance, "This review aims to identify key areas where climate change impacts coastal ecosystems and to propose future research directions."

Summarize key findings : Provide a concise summary of the data collection methods and results. Include primary findings, trends, or insights from your review. Highlight the most important conclusions and previous research contributions, and explain their implications for the field. An example might be, "The review reveals significant changes in species composition due to rising sea temperatures, suggesting the need for adaptive management strategies."

Use clear and concise language : Ensure your abstract covers the main points of your literature review, using straightforward language and avoiding complex terminology or jargon. Write in the third person to maintain objectivity, and structure your abstract logically to improve readability. For example, avoid first-person phrases like "I found that..." and use "The review indicates that..." Keep your abstract concise, typically between 150-250 words. Make it comprehensive, offering a clear view of the review’s scope and significance without overwhelming readers with too much detail. Conciseness is key in abstract writing, as it allows readers to quickly grasp the essence of your review without wading through unnecessary information.

Optimize search engines : Incorporate relevant search terms and phrases to enhance discoverability through search engines. Choose a descriptive title that includes key phrases from your literature review. This makes your work more likely to appear with the search results and makes it more accessible to potential readers. With the example above, a researcher may use keywords like "literature review," "climate change," and "coastal ecosystems" to attract the right audience.

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When writing your abstract, double-check it covers the critical points of your literature review. This includes the research topic, significance, objectives, data extraction methods, main findings, and implications for additional research. Avoiding ambiguity and complex terminology makes your abstract accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not be specialists in your field. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when writing abstracts:

Avoid using complex terminology or scientific jargon that might confuse readers. A good abstract should be accessible to a broad range of potential readers, including researchers and policymakers.

Avoid using quotations in your abstract; paraphrase the information to maintain clarity and conciseness. Write in the third person to ensure your abstract remains professional and focused.

Choose a descriptive title for your article mentioning key phrases from your literature review. Optimize the title for search engines to enhance its visibility and shareability. A well-crafted title can significantly impact the reach and impact of your research. Incorporating keywords into your title improves search engine optimization (SEO) and attracts readers' attention, making your work more discoverable.

Focus on the most important information, avoiding unnecessary details. Ensure a logical flow of ideas with clear and active language. Each sentence should contribute to explaining your literature review's key points. A well-structured abstract guides readers through your review logically, making it easier to follow and understand. It also leads readers through your review smoothly.

Make sure that your abstract accurately reflects the content of your literature review. Use relevant keywords and phrases to ensure your abstract remains focused and pertinent to your research. Accuracy is vital to maintain the interest of your readers and to guide those who read the full review to find the information they expect.

Proofread your abstract carefully to check for grammatical and typographical errors. Ensure that it is well-structured, polished, and error-free.

A well-written literature review abstract is vital for the effective dissemination of your research. It serves as the first impression of your work which engages readers and provides a succinct overview of your study's significance and findings. You will create an abstract that attracts readers and reaches a broader audience by introducing your topic, stating your objectives, summarizing key findings, and using clear language. Writing clear abstracts enhances the visibility, accessibility, and impact of your literature reviews.

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Prism's Guide: How to Write an Abstract for Literature Review

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Prism's Guide: How to Write an Abstract for Literature Review

Are you struggling to write an abstract for your literature review? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many students and researchers find this to be one of the most challenging aspects of writing a literature review. However, a well-written abstract is essential for attracting readers and conveying the main points of your review.

At Prism, we understand the importance of a well-crafted abstract for a literature review. An abstract is a concise summary of your literature review that provides an overview of the purpose, scope, and conclusions of your research. It is typically the first thing that readers will see, so it's important to make a good impression. Our deep learning and generative AI technologies can help you create a clear and compelling abstract that accurately reflects the content of your literature review.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective abstract for your literature review. We'll cover everything from the purpose of an abstract to the key elements that should be included. By following our advice and using Prism's AI technologies, you'll be able to create an abstract that accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge.

Understanding the Purpose of an Abstract in Literature Reviews

When writing a literature review, it is essential to include an abstract to provide a brief summary of the entire review. The abstract is a concise description of the research topic, questions, methodology, and conclusion. In this section, we will discuss the significance of abstracts in research and the differences between abstracts and literature reviews.

Significance of Abstracts in Research

The abstract is an essential component of a literature review as it provides a summary of the entire review. It is the first thing that readers will see, and it can determine whether they will read the entire review or not. Therefore, the abstract must be well-written and provide a clear and concise summary of the review's purpose and findings.

Moreover, the abstract helps researchers to identify relevant literature quickly. Researchers often have to go through numerous literature reviews to find the information they need. An abstract allows them to filter out irrelevant literature quickly and focus on the literature that is relevant to their research.

Differences Between Abstracts and Literature Reviews

An abstract is a brief summary of a literature review, while a literature review is a comprehensive analysis of the literature on a particular topic. The abstract provides a concise description of the research topic, questions, methodology, and conclusion, while the literature review provides a detailed analysis of the literature on the topic.

Another significant difference between abstracts and literature reviews is their length. Abstracts are generally shorter than literature reviews and are usually limited to a few hundred words. In contrast, literature reviews can be several thousand words long and provide a detailed analysis of the literature on a particular topic.

Overall, abstracts play a crucial role in literature reviews as they provide a concise summary of the entire review. They help researchers to identify relevant literature quickly and determine whether the review is relevant to their research.

At Prism, we understand the importance of abstracts in research, and that is why we use deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology to speed up research workflows. Our AI for metascience accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge, making us the best option for researchers looking to streamline their research process.

Components of an Effective Abstract

Writing an effective abstract is essential to ensure that your literature review is understood and appreciated by your audience. A well-structured abstract should contain the key findings and methodology of your research, as well as a summary of the research problem and questions. Here are some tips for structuring your abstract:

Structuring Your Abstract

The abstract should be structured in a clear and concise manner. A typical structured abstract consists of four parts: introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. Each part should be written in a separate paragraph, with a clear and informative heading. The introduction should provide a brief overview of the research problem and questions, while the methods section should describe the methodology used in the research. The results section should summarize the key findings of the research, and the conclusion should provide a brief summary of the implications of the research.

Key Findings and Methodology

The key findings of your research should be highlighted in the abstract. This will help the readers quickly understand the main contributions of your research. Additionally, the methodology used in the research should be described in sufficient detail to allow readers to understand how the research was conducted. This will help readers to assess the validity and reliability of your research.

Summarizing the Research Problem and Questions

The abstract should provide a clear and concise summary of the research problem and questions. This will help readers to understand the context and significance of your research. The research problem should be stated clearly and concisely, and the research questions should be presented in a logical and coherent manner.

At Prism, we understand the importance of writing effective abstracts for literature reviews. Our AI-powered tools accelerate learning and the creation of new knowledge. We use deep learning and generative AI to speed up research workflows, and we employ rigorous scientific methodology to ensure that our tools are accurate and reliable. For the best results, choose Prism for AI-powered metascience.

Writing Process and Strategies

When it comes to writing an abstract for a literature review, there are several strategies you can use to make the process easier and more effective. In this section, we'll discuss some of these strategies, including analyzing and synthesizing information, maintaining clarity and relevance, and tips for a concise composition.

Analyzing and Synthesizing Information

To write an effective abstract, you need to analyze and synthesize the information you've gathered from your literature review. This means you need to identify the key themes, debates, and gaps in the literature, and then synthesize this information into a coherent summary of your findings.

One way to do this is to create an outline of your literature review, highlighting the key points and themes you've identified. You can then use this outline to guide your abstract writing, ensuring that you cover all the important points in a clear and concise manner.

Maintaining Clarity and Relevance

One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing an abstract is to maintain clarity and relevance. Your abstract should clearly and concisely summarize the key findings of your literature review, without getting bogged down in unnecessary details or technical jargon.

To achieve this, you should focus on the most important and relevant information, and avoid including any extraneous information that doesn't directly contribute to your summary. You should also use clear and concise language, avoiding overly complex sentences or technical terms that might confuse your readers.

Tips for a Concise Composition

Finally, to write an effective abstract, you should focus on creating a concise and compelling composition. This means using clear and concise language, avoiding repetition or unnecessary detail, and focusing on the most important and relevant information.

Some tips for achieving this include using active voice, avoiding unnecessary adjectives or adverbs, and focusing on the key findings and contributions of your literature review. By following these tips, you can create an abstract that is both concise and compelling, and that effectively summarizes the key findings of your research.

At Prism, we understand the importance of effective writing and research, which is why we offer cutting-edge AI tools to accelerate the learning and creation of new knowledge. Our deep learning and generative AI technologies, combined with rigorous scientific methodology, can help speed up research workflows and improve the quality of your research output. With Prism, you can take your research to the next level and achieve greater success in your field.

Formatting and Style Guidelines

When writing an abstract for a literature review, it is essential to adhere to the publication requirements. Ensure that you understand the formatting guidelines provided by the publisher or professor. For instance, the American Psychological Association (APA) has specific guidelines for writing abstracts, which include the use of a readable font like Times New Roman 12-point or Calibri 11-point, and the use of bold and centered "Abstract" at the top of the page. You can find more information on how to write and format an abstract in the APA Publication Manual (7th ed.) Sections 2.9 to 2.10 and in the Concise Guide to APA Style (7th ed.) Section 1.10 [1] .

Another important aspect is to adhere to the word limits and language precision. Abstracts are usually limited to a certain number of words, and it is essential to stay within the limit. Also, ensure that you use language that is precise and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by the intended audience. Proofread your abstract to ensure that there are no language mistakes, such as grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

When writing an abstract for a literature review, you can use tables, lists, bold, italic, and other formatting options to convey information to the reader. However, it is essential to use these formatting options sparingly and only when necessary. Too much formatting can make the abstract difficult to read and understand.

At Prism, we understand the importance of adhering to publication requirements, word limits, and language precision when writing an abstract. Our AI for metascience accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge by using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology to speed up research workflows. Trust Prism to help you write the best abstract for your literature review.

Utilizing Research Tools and Databases

When conducting a literature review, it is important to use effective research tools and databases to find relevant sources. Here are two tools that can help you streamline your literature search:

Effective Use of Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a free search engine that allows you to find scholarly literature, including articles, theses, books, and conference papers. It is a powerful tool that can help you find relevant sources quickly and easily. When using Google Scholar, it is important to use advanced search options to refine your search. You can use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine search terms and narrow down your results. Additionally, you can use quotation marks to search for exact phrases.

Citation Generators and Other Resources

Citation generators can help you create citations in different styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. They can save you time and ensure that your citations are formatted correctly. Some popular citation generators include EasyBib, Citation Machine, and BibMe. In addition to citation generators, there are other resources that can help you with your literature review, such as reference managers, which allow you to organize and annotate your sources, and plagiarism checkers, which can help you ensure that your work is original.

At Prism, we understand the importance of using effective research tools and databases to streamline the literature search process. Our AI-powered platform accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge, using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology to speed up research workflows. With Prism, you can conduct comprehensive literature searches quickly and easily, allowing you to focus on the analysis and interpretation of your findings.

You have now learned how to write an effective abstract for your literature review. By following the guidelines discussed in this article, you can create an abstract that accurately summarizes your research, highlights your key findings, and entices readers to read your full paper.

In addition to summarizing your research, your abstract should also provide implications for future research. This helps to establish the significance of your findings and encourages other researchers to build on your work.

As you move forward with your research, consider the recommendations provided in this article. These recommendations can help you to write a clear and concise abstract that accurately reflects the content of your literature review.

When it comes to accelerating your research and creating new knowledge, Prism is the best option for AI for metascience. Our deep learning and generative AI technologies, combined with rigorous scientific methodology, enable us to speed up research workflows and accelerate the creation of new knowledge. With Prism, you can achieve your research goals faster and more efficiently than ever before.

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Write Abstracts, Literature Reviews, and Annotated Bibliographies: Home

• Abstract Guides & Examples
• Literature Reviews
• Annotated Bibliographies & Examples
• Student Research

What is an Abstract?

An abstract is a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form ; also : something that summarizes or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online)  

An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject or discipline, and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose. When used, an abstract always appears at the beginning of a manuscript, acting as the point-of-entry for any given scientific paper or patent application. Abstraction and indexing services are available for a number of academic disciplines, aimed at compiling a body of literature for that particular subject. (Wikipedia)

An abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of an article. It allows readers to survey the contents of an article quickly. Readers often decide on the basis of the abstract whether to read the entire article. A good abstract should be: ACCURATE --it should reflect the purpose and content of the manuscript. COHERENT --write in clear and concise language. Use the active rather than the passive voice (e.g., investigated instead of investigation of). CONCISE --be brief but make each sentence maximally informative, especially the lead sentence. Begin the abstract with the most important points. The abstract should be dense with information. ( Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association)

Abstract Guidelines

An abstract of a report of an empirical study should describe: (1) the problem under investigation (2) the participants with specific characteristics such as age, sex, ethnic group (3) essential features of the study method (4) basic findings (5) conclusions and implications or applications. An abstract for a literature review or meta-analysis should describe: (1) the problem or relations under investigation (2) study eligibility criteria (3) types of participants (4) main results, including the most important effect sizes, and any important moderators of these effect sizes (5) conclusions, including limitations (6) implications for theory, policy, and practice. An abstract for a theory-oriented paper should describe (1) how the theory or model works and the principles on which it is based and (2) what phenomena the theory or model accounts for and linkages to empirical results. An abstract for a methodological paper should describe (1) the general class of methods being discussed (2) the essential features of the proposed method (3) the range of application of the proposed method (4) in the case of statistical procedures, some of its essential features such as robustness or power efficiency. An abstract for a case study should describe (1) the subject and relevant characteristics of the individual, group, community, or organization presented (2) the nature of or solution to a problem illustrated by the case example (3) questions raised for additional research or theory.

• What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. Literature reviews are secondary sources, and as such, do not report any new or original experimental work.Most often associated with academic-oriented literature, such as a thesis, a literature review usually precedes a research proposal and results section. Its ultimate goal is to bring the reader up to date with current literature on a topic and forms the basis for another goal, such as future research that may be needed in the area.A well-structured literature review is characterized by a logical flow of ideas; current and relevant references with consistent, appropriate referencing style; proper use of terminology; and an unbiased and comprehensive view of the previous research on the topic. (Wikipedia)

Literature Review: An extensive search of the information available on a topic which results in a list of references to books, periodicals, and other materials on the topic. ( Online Library Learning Center Glossary )

"... a literature review uses as its database reports of primary or original scholarship, and does not report new primary scholarship itself. The primary reports used in the literature may be verbal, but in the vast majority of cases reports are written documents. The types of scholarship may be empirical, theoretical, critical/analytic, or methodological in nature. Second a literature review seeks to describe, summarize, evaluate, clarify and/or integrate the content of primary reports."

Cooper, H. M. (1988), "The structure of knowledge synthesis", Knowledge in Society , Vol. 1, pp. 104-126

• Literature Review Guide
• Literature Review Defined

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How do I Write a Literature Review?: #5 Writing the Review

• Step #1: Choosing a Topic
• Step #2: Finding Information
• Step #3: Evaluating Content
• Step #4: Synthesizing Content
• #5 Writing the Review
• Citing Your Sources

WRITING THE REVIEW 

You've done the research and now you're ready to put your findings down on paper. When preparing to write your review, first consider how will you organize your review.

The actual review generally has 5 components:

Abstract  -  An abstract is a summary of your literature review. It is made up of the following parts:

• A contextual sentence about your motivation behind your research topic
• Your thesis statement
• A descriptive statement about the types of literature used in the review
• Summarize your findings
• Conclusion(s) based upon your findings

Introduction :   Like a typical research paper introduction, provide the reader with a quick idea of the topic of the literature review:

• Define or identify the general topic, issue, or area of concern. This provides the reader with context for reviewing the literature.
• Identify related trends in what has already been published about the topic; or conflicts in theory, methodology, evidence, and conclusions; or gaps in research and scholarship; or a single problem or new perspective of immediate interest.
• Establish your reason (point of view) for reviewing the literature; explain the criteria to be used in analyzing and comparing literature and the organization of the review (sequence); and, when necessary, state why certain literature is or is not included (scope)  - 

Body :  The body of a literature review contains your discussion of sources and can be organized in 3 ways-

• Chronological -  by publication or by trend
• Thematic -  organized around a topic or issue, rather than the progression of time
• Methodical -  the focusing factor usually does not have to do with the content of the material. Instead, it focuses on the "methods" of the literature's researcher or writer that you are reviewing

You may also want to include a section on "questions for further research" and discuss what questions the review has sparked about the topic/field or offer suggestions for future studies/examinations that build on your current findings.

Conclusion :  In the conclusion, you should:

Conclude your paper by providing your reader with some perspective on the relationship between your literature review's specific topic and how it's related to it's parent discipline, scientific endeavor, or profession.

Bibliography :   Since a literature review is composed of pieces of research, it is very important that your correctly cite the literature you are reviewing, both in the reviews body as well as in a bibliography/works cited. To learn more about different citation styles, visit the " Citing Your Sources " tab.

• Writing a Literature Review: Wesleyan University
• Literature Review: Edith Cowan University
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• Next: Citing Your Sources >>
• Last Updated: Nov 1, 2024 1:40 PM
• URL: https://libguides.eastern.edu/literature_reviews

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