Have you been asked to write a literature review for an assignment but you are not sure what you are required to do? On this page, you will learn what literature reviews are and how they differ from other types of academic writing.
The following pages will cover researching for your literature review, organising information, structuring your work and integrating information from other sources into your writing.
Literature reviews are a common type of assignment at universities. They can be given as stand-alone assignments, or they can be a section of a larger research report. They are useful because they help students to:
Develop research, organisational, and analytical skills
Investigate a topic deeply and compare the different theories and ideas associated with it
Think critically about the information they encounter.
What do I need to do?
Literature reviews involve selecting a topic of interest and conducting research to uncover existing information, ideas, theories, and practices in that area. Your task is to:
synthesise the information
identify areas of agreement and disagreement among authors
spot potential gaps in information
identify any problems or issues that remain unresolved
offer your evaluation of the literature.
What to avoid
Keep in mind that a literature review is not just a summary of the articles and texts you find. It is not about simply stating what each author believes in sequence. Instead, you should identify connections between the ideas you encounter, noting whether they support each other or offer contrasting viewpoints.
Consider the following paragraph from a literature review. Has the author successfully linked the concepts discussed by the source text authors?
On the topic of articificial intelligence (AI), researchers tend to fall into two camps: those who focus on its potential benefits, and those who worry for the future. Müller (2020) discusses how AI can improve efficiency in data processing, highlighting advancements in machine learning algorithms. Batbayar (2019) explores the ethical implications of AI, particularly concerning privacy and decision-making.
No, the author successfully linked the concepts discussed by the authors of the source texts. In this case, the paragraph reads more like a summary than an attempt to compare and contrast the ideas they have read about.
To improve this paragraph, the student could use some linking words and phrases to show how the ideas relate to each other. They could also provide more information to show how the authors developed their views, or they could further develop their explanation of the authors' ideas. Here's an improved version of the paragraph:
On the topic of articificial intelligence (AI), researchers tend to fall into two camps: those who focus on its potential benefits, and those who worry for the future. To illustrate, Müller (2023) is of the opinion that AI can significantly enhance data processing efficiency through advanced machine learning algorithms. He argues that these technological improvements can lead to faster and more accurate data analysis, benefiting industries that rely heavily on large-scale data management. In contrast, Batbayar (2023) focuses on the ethical issues associated with AI, particularly concerning privacy and decision-making. Batbayar highlights the potential risks of AI systems making autonomous decisions without human oversight, which could lead to breaches of privacy and ethical dilemmas.
Unlike argumentative essays, literature reviews do not require you to make an argument to prove a particular point and you do not need to come up with 'the' answer to a problem. While your critique of the information is important, the main objective is to review the literature and present a comprehensive picture of the most significant views and theories in the field to your reader.
Read the following paragraphs. Which paragraph would be more suitable for an argumentative essay and which would be more appropriate for a literature review?
Paragraph 1
Recent studies have explored the impact of project-based learning (PBL) on student engagement and achievement in high school education. For instance, García and Thompson (2020) found that PBL can significantly increase student motivation by allowing learners to explore real-world problems and collaborate with peers. This approach aligns with the findings of Lee (2021), who observed that students engaged in PBL demonstrated higher levels of critical thinking and problem-solving skills compared to those in traditional lecture-based settings. However, Kimura (2023) points out that while PBL can boost engagement, its effectiveness might change depending on the subject and how well the teacher manages the PBL activities. Kimura suggests that without proper implementation, PBL might not lead to the expected academic improvements. Together, these studies suggest that while project-based learning has potential benefits, its success largely depends on how it is applied in the classroom.
Paragraph 2
One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate digital literacy into high school curricula is its role in preparing students for the modern workforce. According to Williams (2021), the digital economy is expanding rapidly, and employers are increasingly seeking candidates who possess strong digital skills. By integrating digital literacy into education, schools can equip students with the necessary tools to navigate and succeed in a technology-driven job market. Moreover, Ahmed (2022) highlights that students who are proficient in digital skills are better positioned to adapt to new technologies and platforms, which is crucial in a world where technological advancements are constant. Therefore, ensuring that high school students graduate with a strong understanding of digital tools is not only beneficial but essential for their future career prospects.
In this case, Paragraph 1 is a good example of a literature review body paragraph and Paragraph 2 would be better suited to an argumentative essay for the following reasons:
The topic sentence of Paragraph 1 tells the reader of studies that exist in the subject area, while Paragraph 2 attempts to convince the reader that a certain approach should be taken. This is clear through the use of 'compelling reason'.
Paragraph 2 uses a TEEL paragraph, where an argument is given in the topic sentence, and then explanation, evidence/examples and a linking sentence are used to strengthen the argument. Paragraph 1 highlights how the theories of each author relate to each other, focusing both on areas of agreement and disagreement.
The final sentence of Paragraph 2 shows the reader how the evidence and examples prove that the argument presented in the paragraph is true. In Paragraph 1, the author synthesises the information from the authors without trying to solve the issue or give a strong recommendation.
What do your markers want to see
When writing a literature review, it's important to consider what your markers are looking for to ensure your work meets their expectations. Here are some key aspects that markers typically expect to see:
Ability to find the most relevant and current information: Demonstrate your research skills by sourcing up-to-date and important literature. This shows that you have a grasp of the topic and are aware of developments and discussions in your field.
Filter out less relevant/current information: Distinguish between what is important and what is not. Your ability to search through large amounts of literature and select the most significant works shows your understanding of the subject.
Logical organisational structure: Present your review in a clear and coherent manner. A well-structured literature review helps readers follow your reasoning and understand how the literature connects to your research question.
Linking of ideas and theories. Comparing and contrasting: Show how different studies relate to each other. Compare and contrast theories and findings to highlight similarities, differences, and trends in the literature.
Critical analysis of the literature: Go beyond summarising the literature by critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of your sources. Discuss the methodologies, findings, and implications to demonstrate your analytical skills.
Identification of gaps in knowledge or unresolved problems: Identify areas where further research is needed. Highlighting these gaps indicates that you have a deep understanding of the topic.
An understanding of the key concepts: Show that you have an understanding of the main concepts and theories relevant to your topic. This knowledge is crucial for a meaningful analysis and discussion of the literature.
Assignments that are similar to literature reviews
Systematic reviews:
Like literature reviews, systematic reviews involve gathering and examining existing research on a specific topic. They differ because systematic reviews use a strict and organised method to choose and evaluate studies to ensure the conclusions are reliable and unbiased. Scoping reviews:
Scoping reviews, similar to literature reviews, aim to explore and summarise what research is available on a topic. The difference is that scoping reviews are usually broader and focus on identifying what research has been done and what gaps exist, often to see if a more detailed review is possible.
Simply put, systematic reviews tend to be more in depth, and scoping reviews more general, while literature reviews usually are somewhere in the middle.