LibGuides: Student Research Guide: Writing a Literature Review

Writing a Literature Review

A Literature Review: Helps you get started on your research

A Literature review has two functions:

Demonstrate that you are aware of others’ work in this area and to guide the reader to these works.
Based on those papers, demonstrate to the reader how your research is original.

Depending on the discipline, there are different ways to approach a literature review.

To get started, watch the following video from the Sage Research Methods database:

Conducting Your Literature Review by Susanne Hempel
Publication Date: 2019
This book will help students formulate a strategy for making clear decisions about what to include and not include in their literature reviews, and avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available research. It will also help them understand the steps that are needed to produce a reliable and unbiased summary of the existing research.
Turn Your Literature Review into an Argument by Robert Thomas
Call Number: LB2369 .T46 2019
Publication Date: 2019
Outlining what a literature review is - and isn't - and showcasing how to use the literature to your advantage to construct a strong academic argument, this "Little Quick Fix" answers important questions like: - What is the purpose of a literature review? -What do I need from an article to support my argument?
Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature Reviews by Mieke Heyvaert; Karin Hannes; Patrick Onghena
Publication Date: 2017
This practical guide provides step-by-step instruction for conducting a mixed methods research synthesis (MMRS) that integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence. The book progresses through a systematic, comprehensive approach to conducting an MMRS literature review to analyze and summarize the empirical evidence regarding a particular review question.
The Literature Review by Lawrence Larry
Call Number: LB1047.3 .M33 2016
Publication Date: 2016
From daunting to doable in six steps. This book features a wealth of all-new content including: A flowchart that graphically illustrates Machi and McEvoy's process. Reflective Oversight boxes in each chapter, prompting readers to direct metacognitive activities. Links to online guides and resources and expanded examples illustrating theoretical concepts.
The Literature Review by Diana Ridley
Call Number: LB2369 .R525 2012
Publication Date: 2012
This second edition of Diana Ridley's bestselling book provides a step-by-step guide to conducting a literature search and literature review, using cases and examples throughout to demonstrate best practice. Ridley outlines practical strategies for conducting a systematic search of the available literature, reading and note taking and writing up your literature review as part of an undergraduate research project, Masters dissertation or PhD thesis.

The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It
Written by Dena Taylor, Health Sciences Writing Centre, University of Toronto.
The Literature Review: E-Lecture Series
Written by Harvard Graduate School of Education
Literature Reviews
Written by Purdue Online Writing Lab specifically tailored for students who are writing thesis or graduate level work.
Literature Reviews
Written by The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Make an Appointment with the Writing Center
If you need assistance with writing or organizing your literature review, please feel free to make an appointment with a Writing Center Specialist.
Writing the Literature Review - Youtube
A youtube by David Taylor (University of Maryland, 2010)

Student Research Guide

Writing a Literature Review

A Literature Review: Helps you get started on your research

Core Skills for New Researchers: How to Do a Literature Review in 10 Easy Steps