literature review step by step guide for writing an effective literature review

• University of Texas Libraries

Literature Reviews

Steps in the literature review process.

• What is a literature review?
• Define your research question
• Determine inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Choose databases and search
• Review Results
• Synthesize Results
• Analyze Results
• Librarian Support
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
• You may need to some exploratory searching of the literature to get a sense of scope, to determine whether you need to narrow or broaden your focus
• Identify databases that provide the most relevant sources, and identify relevant terms (controlled vocabularies) to add to your search strategy
• Finalize your research question
• Think about relevant dates, geographies (and languages), methods, and conflicting points of view
• Conduct searches in the published literature via the identified databases
• Check to see if this topic has been covered in other discipline's databases
• Examine the citations of on-point articles for keywords, authors, and previous research (via references) and cited reference searching.
• Save your search results in a citation management tool (such as Zotero, Mendeley or EndNote)
• De-duplicate your search results
• Make sure that you've found the seminal pieces -- they have been cited many times, and their work is considered foundational 
• Check with your professor or a librarian to make sure your search has been comprehensive
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of individual sources and evaluate for bias, methodologies, and thoroughness
• Group your results in to an organizational structure that will support why your research needs to be done, or that provides the answer to your research question  
• Develop your conclusions
• Are there gaps in the literature?
• Where has significant research taken place, and who has done it?
• Is there consensus or debate on this topic?
• Which methodological approaches work best?
• For example: Background, Current Practices, Critics and Proponents, Where/How this study will fit in 
• Organize your citations and focus on your research question and pertinent studies
• Compile your bibliography

Note: The first four steps are the best points at which to contact a librarian. Your librarian can help you determine the best databases to use for your topic, assess scope, and formulate a search strategy.

Videos Tutorials about Literature Reviews

This 4.5 minute video from Academic Education Materials has a Creative Commons License and a British narrator.

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• Last Updated: Oct 23, 2024 11:46 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.utexas.edu/literaturereviews

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How to Write a Literature Review: Comprehensive Strategies and AI Tools

Discover how to craft an effective literature review using comprehensive strategies and AI tools. This guide offers step-by-step advice on organizing sources, synthesizing information, and leveraging AI to streamline the literature review process.

How to Write a Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

A literature review is an essential part of academic research that involves summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing existing research on a particular topic. It serves as a critical component of the research process, helping you to build a solid foundation for your study by demonstrating your understanding of the current state of knowledge. Whether you are writing a thesis, dissertation, or research paper, a strong literature review not only establishes the foundation of your work but also helps to articulate the significance of your research by highlighting existing gaps, showcasing what has been done, and creating a clear context for your own research to fit into. This means that you are not just summarizing existing literature; you are actively engaging with it to justify the importance of your study and show where your research contributes to advancing the field.

A well-crafted literature review enables you to identify patterns, contradictions, and trends in the research, which ultimately helps you position your own work within the larger academic conversation. It showcases your ability to critically engage with the literature, assess the quality of existing studies, and synthesize information from a wide array of sources to present a cohesive overview. This process of summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing is essential not just for understanding what has already been discovered, but for demonstrating to your readers and reviewers that you have a thorough grasp of the topic and are aware of the ongoing debates in the field.

In addition to identifying gaps and shaping the framework of your research, a literature review also plays an important role in avoiding redundancy. By thoroughly exploring existing studies, you can ensure that your research addresses new or underexplored areas, thereby making a unique contribution to the field. Whether you are conducting a systematic review to support a hypothesis or providing an overview to set the stage for new questions, an effective literature review is an invaluable tool that guides your entire research process.

In this guide, we will take you through the key steps to writing a comprehensive and well-structured literature review, from formulating a research question to evaluating sources, organizing themes, and writing up your findings. Our aim is to help you approach the task methodically and confidently, ensuring that your literature review not only meets academic standards but also adds significant value to your research project.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a critical examination of the body of literature related to a particular research topic. It is not merely a summary of past research but a careful and deliberate selection of sources that collectively help shape the narrative of your research. The literature review goes beyond simply presenting what has been said on the topic; it contextualizes your research within the existing body of knowledge, showing how your work builds on, challenges, or fills gaps in the current understanding.

The purpose of a literature review is multifaceted. First and foremost, it demonstrates that you understand the key debates, discussions, and the broader landscape of scholarship in your field. This means critically engaging with the theories, findings, and methodologies of other researchers. By doing so, you establish the relevance of your own research, showing that you are informed about the topic and aware of the ongoing conversations that your study contributes to. Additionally, a literature review identifies gaps that your study aims to fill, helping to justify the need for your research.

A well-conceived literature review involves a careful balance of summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing the information gathered from different sources. You need to present what each source says, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and relate it to the overall themes and direction of your study. This requires not only a clear understanding of each individual source but also an ability to draw connections between them, identify common threads, and highlight areas of disagreement or contention. By identifying patterns and drawing comparisons, you create a coherent picture of the existing research and set the stage for your own contributions.

Moreover, a good literature review should guide the reader through the evolution of thought on a topic, showcasing how ideas have developed over time and what questions remain unanswered. You can highlight how different scholars approach the same problem in various ways, thus adding nuance to your discussion. This is especially important for showing that you can critically assess the quality and credibility of existing studies. For example, you might point out methodological strengths in certain works and limitations in others, helping to make a case for the robustness of your approach.

Furthermore, the literature review isn't static—it's part of an ongoing process. New studies and data can emerge even as you conduct your research, which might influence the direction of your study. Therefore, a literature review also requires staying up-to-date with the latest developments, indicating that your research is relevant and responsive to the newest findings in the field. Engaging with the most current literature showcases that your work is informed and that it pushes the boundaries of what is already known.

In addition to these functions, a literature review can also help highlight diverse viewpoints. In some fields, debates and differing opinions are prevalent, and a strong literature review will not shy away from acknowledging these controversies. Instead, it will provide a balanced overview of varying perspectives, indicating the richness and complexity of the research landscape. By addressing these differing viewpoints, you add credibility to your own research, as it shows that you are not ignoring dissenting voices but rather are critically engaging with them to arrive at a well-supported conclusion.

A successful literature review is, therefore, a roadmap for your entire research project. It tells the reader where your research fits in, what it aims to address, and how it plans to do so. It is the bridge between what is already known and what your study aims to discover, and it sets up the foundation upon which your research is built.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Literature Review

1. define your research question or topic.

The first step in creating a literature review is to clearly define your research question or topic. Knowing exactly what you are trying to explore will help you focus on finding the right sources. Your topic should be specific enough to limit the scope but broad enough to encompass significant research. Spend some time refining your research question, making sure it is neither too narrow nor too vague. A well-defined topic will serve as the guiding light throughout your literature review process, allowing you to determine what is relevant and what is not.

Consider breaking down your research question into smaller, manageable components. For instance, if your topic is broad, think of sub-questions that can help give your review a more detailed focus. Ask yourself questions like: What are the main concepts or variables involved? Are there specific populations or settings that you want to focus on? Defining these parameters early on will save you time later and will make your literature review more targeted and effective.

It is also helpful to frame your research question in a way that allows for a critical approach. Instead of simply asking "What is the impact of X on Y?" try asking questions that allow for exploration, comparison, or evaluation, such as "How does X compare to Y in terms of impact?" or "What factors influence the relationship between X and Y?" This type of question provides more scope for discussion and synthesis of multiple sources, which is essential for a robust literature review.

Furthermore, take time to review preliminary literature to ensure that your research question is feasible. If you find that there is too much information available, you may need to narrow your focus. Conversely, if there is too little information, you might need to broaden the scope or choose a different angle. The goal is to find a balance where your topic is sufficiently covered in existing literature, but still offers room for your unique contributions. This preparation step will make it much easier to navigate the subsequent phases of your literature review and will help ensure that your efforts are well-directed from the outset.

2. Search for Relevant Literature

The next step is to conduct a thorough search for relevant literature. Start by consulting academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, or PubMed to find credible sources. These platforms provide access to a wide variety of academic journals, books, and conference papers that are crucial for a well-rounded review. Make sure to use a combination of keywords, including synonyms and related concepts, to ensure you cover a broad range of research. Experiment with Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to refine your searches effectively and obtain more precise results.

In addition to these databases, consider looking at specialized repositories that are specific to your field of study. For example, PsycINFO is an excellent resource for psychology-related research, while IEEE Xplore is perfect for those focusing on engineering and technology topics. Exploring multiple databases will ensure that your literature search is comprehensive and not restricted to a limited range of sources.

It's also helpful to set aside dedicated time to perform iterative searches. Often, initial searches may not yield all the information needed, and it's necessary to refine your keywords or try new combinations to discover more relevant literature. Keep an organized list of your search terms and the databases you have already explored, as this will help you avoid redundant work and ensure a systematic approach.

Consider keeping an organized list of your sources, including key information like the author, publication year, key arguments, and relevance to your topic. Tools like reference managers (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) can be invaluable for this task. These tools allow you to store references, take notes, and easily format your bibliography, saving you considerable time in the long run. You may also want to create an annotated bibliography at this stage, summarizing the key points of each source and its relevance. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to integrate these sources into your literature review later.

Don't forget to check the reference lists of the articles you find particularly relevant. This technique, known as 'backward searching,' can lead you to other important studies that you might have missed during your initial search. Similarly, consider 'forward searching,' where you look at newer papers that have cited the article you're reading. This can help you find recent developments and ensure your literature review is up-to-date with the latest research in the field.

3. Evaluate and Select Sources

Not every source is worth including in your literature review. It is important to evaluate the credibility and relevance of the literature you find carefully. Look at several factors, including the methodology used, the reliability of data presented, the author's background and qualifications, and whether the research has been peer-reviewed. Understanding the research design, data collection, and analysis methods will help you determine whether the source is reliable and applicable to your work. Sources with rigorous methodologies are generally more trustworthy and contribute more valuable insights to your review.

Another critical aspect to consider is the publication date. Focus on sources that are up-to-date, particularly in rapidly evolving fields such as technology or medicine. However, older, foundational sources may still be valuable for providing historical context or explaining the evolution of theories over time. Balancing newer sources with seminal works can help provide a well-rounded understanding of your topic, demonstrating both breadth and depth in your literature review.

Additionally, consider the relevance of each source to your specific research question. Not all sources that mention your topic are equally valuable; prioritize those that directly contribute to the argument or context you are building. Ask yourself: Does this source address the specific aspects of my research question? Does it add new insights, support my thesis, or offer a contrasting viewpoint that is worth discussing? Being selective is key, as including too many irrelevant sources can dilute the impact of your literature review.

Evaluate the impact of the research within the field as well. Some studies have a greater influence and are frequently cited by other researchers. These high-impact sources are often critical to understanding the state of research on a topic. Tools like Google Scholar can help you determine how often a source has been cited, which can serve as an indicator of its significance. Including these well-cited sources in your literature review can strengthen the credibility of your arguments.

Don't forget to assess the author's background and potential biases. Knowing the author's credentials, institutional affiliations, and other publications can help you gauge the perspective from which the research is conducted. Authors affiliated with reputable academic institutions or organizations are generally more reliable, but it's still important to be aware of any potential biases that might affect the research. For example, industry-funded studies might be more likely to support outcomes favorable to the sponsor, which is something you should note in your evaluation.

Discard sources that do not meet these criteria. Sources with unclear methodologies, outdated information, questionable reliability, or that lack relevance to your specific research question should be excluded from your review. The goal is to include sources that provide robust, high-quality, and relevant information that helps build a solid foundation for your own research. By being diligent in this evaluation process, you ensure that your literature review is both comprehensive and trustworthy, ultimately supporting the credibility and value of your research project.

4. Identify Key Themes and Gaps

Once you have gathered your literature, start identifying common themes, areas of agreement, and areas of debate. Look closely at the different aspects of your topic that have been explored and note how various studies relate to one another. Are there consistent findings that point to a general consensus? Conversely, are there areas where researchers disagree, presenting conflicting evidence or different interpretations of the data? Recognizing these points of agreement and contention will help you create a balanced and nuanced literature review.

Are there patterns emerging across different studies? For instance, you might find that many researchers have focused on a particular population or context, which can indicate a trend or bias in the field. Highlighting these patterns can help you identify where the majority of research effort has been concentrated and where there may be gaps that need to be addressed. Also, pay attention to methodological similarities or differences—do researchers tend to use the same approaches, or are there contrasting methods that yield different results? Understanding these methodological patterns will give you insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the existing body of research.

Are there gaps or inconsistencies in the research? Identifying gaps in the literature is crucial, as it shows where further exploration is needed. Look for areas that have been overlooked or not sufficiently explored, and think about how your research could fill these voids. Gaps can include under-researched populations, overlooked variables, or even questions that have not been answered satisfactorily. Additionally, inconsistencies in findings are another important aspect to consider—are there studies that contradict one another? If so, why might these discrepancies exist? Could they be due to different methodologies, sample sizes, or interpretations? Highlighting these inconsistencies will not only help you position your work but also indicate the complexity of the topic.

Identifying these aspects will help you organize your review effectively and determine where your own research fits in. By clearly defining the key themes and gaps, you can create a literature review that does more than summarize existing research—it actively critiques and synthesizes the body of work, providing a meaningful context for your own study. This comprehensive approach will help demonstrate the value of your research and show that you are contributing to an ongoing scholarly conversation rather than simply reiterating what has already been done.

5. Structure Your Literature Review

A well-structured literature review typically follows a clear organizational pattern. There are several approaches you can choose from, depending on the nature of your research question and the body of literature available. One common method is the chronological approach , which organizes sources by publication date. This approach is particularly useful when you want to demonstrate how research has evolved over time or when there has been a significant shift in perspectives within your field. For example, you can show how early studies laid the groundwork for later research, or how advancements in technology influenced newer studies and methodologies.

Alternatively, a thematic approach groups sources by major topics, themes, or concepts rather than by time. This is especially useful when multiple studies address similar topics but from different angles or methodologies. By grouping sources thematically, you can highlight the different facets of your topic, such as recurring themes, points of agreement, and areas of debate. This approach can help you provide a more cohesive understanding of the literature, demonstrating how various aspects of the topic connect and interact with one another.

Another option is to use a methodological approach , which organizes sources based on the research methods used. This is particularly effective if you want to highlight how different research methods have contributed to the understanding of a topic. By categorizing studies based on qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, you can analyze the strengths and limitations of each approach and show how different methodologies offer complementary insights. This type of structure can help underscore the robustness of your research question and position your study as filling a methodological gap in the literature.

You may also opt for a theoretical framework approach , where you organize your literature review based on the theoretical perspectives that guide the research. This approach is beneficial when discussing different theoretical lenses, such as social constructivism, positivism, or feminist theory, and how these theories shape the interpretation of findings. By using a theoretical approach, you can give your reader a better understanding of the various frameworks that inform the current body of literature and how your research contributes to or challenges these perspectives.

Make sure your structure makes it easy for readers to understand the evolution of research on your topic. Begin with broader concepts and foundational studies before narrowing down to more specific issues directly related to your research question. Providing a logical flow from general to specific allows your reader to grasp the bigger picture before delving into the finer details, thereby enhancing overall comprehension. Additionally, using subheadings for each section within your chosen structure can improve readability and help your readers navigate the review more effectively.

Regardless of the approach you choose, clarity and logical progression are key. The structure should guide your reader smoothly from one point to the next, helping them understand not only what has been studied but also why each piece of research is important. A well-structured literature review will naturally lead your reader to see the gaps that your research aims to fill, setting up a strong foundation for your research objectives and questions.

6. Write Your Review

Once you have an organized structure, start writing your literature review. Begin with an introduction that explains the scope of your review and outlines the main themes. The introduction should also include the reasons why this literature is relevant to your research, highlighting the gaps that your study will address. Establishing a clear rationale helps orient the reader and sets expectations for what is to come. Mention briefly the methodologies and key concepts that will be explored in your literature review to give the reader a roadmap of the discussion ahead.

In the body , summarize each source and discuss its contributions to the field, providing critical analysis where necessary. Each section of the body should cover a different theme or sub-topic, depending on the organizational approach you have chosen. For each source, consider summarizing the main arguments, but also add your own critical perspective on how the research contributes to the field and how it relates to other studies. Highlight the strengths of each study, such as innovative methodologies or significant findings, as well as the weaknesses, such as limited sample sizes or potential biases. This critical engagement not only adds depth to your literature review but also demonstrates your ability to think analytically about the literature.

Use subheadings to organize themes and make it easier for readers to follow. Subheadings also help to create a logical flow, making it clear how different areas of research link together. When transitioning between sections, use transitional sentences that help the reader understand how the literature evolves from one theme to the next. For instance, after discussing one theme, you could introduce the next by showing how it builds on or contrasts with the previous findings. This approach ensures that the reader is not only absorbing information but also understanding the connections between different pieces of research.

Be sure to include direct quotes where they add value, but use them sparingly and ensure that they are well-integrated into your own writing. Paraphrasing and summarizing are usually more effective because they demonstrate your understanding of the material. When you do use direct quotes, follow them up with a critical interpretation to explain why that particular point is important for your research.

Finish your literature review with a conclusion that ties everything together. Recap the main themes, highlight gaps, and explain how your research will address those gaps. A strong conclusion will reinforce the importance of your research and show that you have laid the foundation for your own work. In addition, the conclusion should reiterate how your findings contribute to the broader field of study and why addressing the identified gaps is essential. This not only establishes the value of your work but also helps the reader see the path forward for future research. If applicable, propose areas for further investigation that arise from your review, which will demonstrate a forward-thinking approach and highlight potential contributions beyond your immediate research.

7. Cite Your Sources Properly

Proper citation is crucial in a literature review. Using the correct citation style required by your institution or publication (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) ensures that your work adheres to academic standards and makes it easy for readers to locate the original sources. The choice of citation style is often based on the discipline—for example, APA is commonly used in social sciences, while MLA is favored in the humanities. Familiarizing yourself with the nuances of your required style will help ensure that your citations are formatted correctly, which reflects positively on your attention to detail.

Correct citation not only adds credibility to your literature review but also helps you avoid plagiarism, which is a serious offense in academic work. Properly acknowledging the contributions of other researchers shows that you have engaged with the existing body of literature and gives credit where it is due. It also allows your readers to verify your sources, which strengthens the reliability of your arguments and demonstrates transparency in your research process. To maintain accuracy, make sure to cite not just direct quotes but also paraphrased ideas and any data or insights that are not your own.

To make this process more manageable, consider using reference managers like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley. These tools can help you organize your citations efficiently, allowing you to easily store, organize, and retrieve references. They also enable you to create bibliographies in the required style automatically, saving considerable time when finalizing your literature review. In addition, reference managers can be used to add notes to each reference, helping you keep track of why each source is relevant and how it contributes to your overall review.

Another important consideration is consistency. Ensure that all in-text citations and references in your bibliography follow the same format and meet the guidelines of the chosen citation style. Even minor inconsistencies, such as misplaced commas or incorrect italics, can detract from the professionalism of your work. Taking the time to double-check each citation for consistency will enhance the quality of your literature review.

It may also be beneficial to familiarize yourself with tools like citation guides or online resources (e.g., Purdue OWL) that provide examples and rules for specific citation styles. These resources can be particularly useful when you are unsure about how to cite unusual sources, such as government documents, personal interviews, or multimedia sources. Remember that accurate citation not only validates your work but also contributes to the academic community by making it easier for others to follow the research trail.

Tips for a Successful Literature Review

• Be selective : Don’t try to include everything you find. Focus on high-quality, relevant sources. Prioritize peer-reviewed journal articles, well-regarded books, and foundational texts that provide significant insights into your topic. Selectivity ensures that your literature review remains focused and directly contributes to your research goals.
• Stay organized : Keep a detailed record of your searches and sources. Annotated bibliographies are a useful tool. Tools like Mendeley, EndNote, or Zotero can help you keep your sources organized and allow you to easily insert citations as you write. Creating a system to tag or categorize your sources can make it easier to retrieve information when needed.
• Balance summary with critical analysis : Your literature review should not be a mere collection of summaries. Aim to synthesize and analyze, showing the relationships between different studies. Make connections between sources by highlighting how they build on, support, or contradict each other. This approach will help to provide depth to your review and illustrate the broader conversations happening within your research field.
• Revise and refine : Writing a literature review is an iterative process. Revise your draft to ensure it flows logically and effectively communicates your points. Revisiting and refining the organization of your review can help ensure that your argument builds logically and that your findings are presented in a compelling manner.
• Use mind maps or charts : Visual tools such as mind maps or thematic charts can help you organize ideas and see relationships among various studies more clearly. These tools are particularly useful for identifying themes, gaps, and patterns across multiple sources, and they can make the writing process smoother by providing a visual roadmap of your arguments.
• Keep track of evolving research : Stay updated on new publications even as you are working on your literature review. Use alerts on academic databases to receive notifications of new studies related to your topic. Incorporating the most recent research shows that your review is current and relevant, which can be especially important in rapidly changing fields.
• Consult with peers or advisors : Don’t hesitate to seek feedback on your literature review from peers, advisors, or mentors. They may provide insights or identify gaps that you’ve missed, helping to strengthen the quality of your work. Peer feedback is also helpful for identifying areas where the flow or clarity of your review could be improved.
• Define and refine your scope : Clearly define the scope of your literature review at the outset. Are you focusing on a specific time period, demographic, methodology, or geographic area? Being explicit about your scope will make it easier to decide which sources to include and which to exclude, ensuring that your review remains focused and relevant.
• Develop a critical voice : Don’t simply report what other studies have said; evaluate their contributions. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies used? Are the conclusions justified by the data? Developing a critical voice means that you are actively engaging with the literature and providing your own interpretation rather than passively summarizing.
• Be mindful of biases : Evaluate potential biases in the literature, such as funding sources, publication bias, or the author's background. Addressing these biases in your literature review adds depth and shows your ability to critically engage with the literature, enhancing the credibility of your work.
• Link to your research question : Throughout your review, continually link back to your own research question. Explicitly state how each study relates to or informs your research. This makes your literature review more cohesive and ensures that every source you include serves a purpose in building the foundation for your study.

Final Thoughts

Writing a literature review can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to academic research. However, by breaking it down into manageable steps and staying organized, you can create a literature review that provides a solid foundation for your research. Remember, the goal is not just to summarize existing studies but to synthesize the information and create a compelling narrative that supports your research question.

It's important to remember that a literature review is not a one-time task but rather an iterative process. You may need to revisit your review multiple times as new studies emerge or as your research takes on a clearer direction. Each iteration allows you to refine your synthesis, making your arguments stronger and your narrative more compelling. Flexibility is key—be open to changing your perspective if new evidence suggests a better approach or reveals a different gap in the literature.

Another valuable approach is to continuously question the relevance of the literature you include. Ask yourself: Does this source add real value to my argument? Does it strengthen the rationale behind my research question? By being selective and ensuring that each source is directly relevant to your objectives, you can create a focused and impactful literature review. This level of discernment is what differentiates a well-crafted literature review from one that simply lists sources without a cohesive purpose.

Don't underestimate the power of collaboration during the literature review process. Discussing your findings, interpretations, and gaps with peers or mentors can provide new insights that you may not have considered. Feedback from colleagues can help pinpoint areas that need more depth or clarify arguments that are not as strong. Collaboration is particularly helpful when synthesizing diverse viewpoints, as it allows you to gain a different perspective on the same body of literature, adding richness to your review.

Additionally, managing your time effectively is crucial. Set milestones for each stage of your literature review—from identifying your research question to finalizing your written review. Breaking the task into smaller, time-bound goals will not only make it more manageable but will also ensure that you stay on track and do not become overwhelmed by the volume of information. Time management also allows you to allocate periods for revising and refining, which are critical to producing a polished final product.

Finally, remember that a well-written literature review does more than serve as a backdrop for your research; it sets the stage for everything that follows. By establishing a clear context, identifying gaps, and linking existing knowledge to your research objectives, your literature review becomes the foundation that justifies your study. The more effort you put into crafting a cohesive and thorough review, the more effectively it will support your research, helping to establish your credibility as a scholar and making a meaningful contribution to your field.

With practice and careful planning, your literature review can become a powerful part of your academic writing, adding depth and context to your work.

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How To Write An A-Grade Literature Review

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2019

Q uality research is about building onto the existing work of others , “standing on the shoulders of giants”, as Newton put it. The literature review chapter of your dissertation, thesis or research project is where you synthesise this prior work and lay the theoretical foundation for your own research.

Long story short, this chapter is a pretty big deal, which is why you want to make sure you get it right . In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to write a literature review in three straightforward steps, so you can conquer this vital chapter (the smart way).

Overview: The Literature Review Process

• Understanding the “ why “
• Finding the relevant literature
• Cataloguing and synthesising the information
• Outlining & writing up your literature review
• Example of a literature review

But first, the “why”…

Before we unpack how to write the literature review chapter, we’ve got to look at the why . To put it bluntly, if you don’t understand the function and purpose of the literature review process, there’s no way you can pull it off well. So, what exactly is the purpose of the literature review?

Well, there are (at least) four core functions:

• For you to gain an understanding (and demonstrate this understanding) of where the research is at currently, what the key arguments and disagreements are.
• For you to identify the gap(s) in the literature and then use this as justification for your own research topic.
• To help you build a conceptual framework for empirical testing (if applicable to your research topic).
• To inform your methodological choices and help you source tried and tested questionnaires (for interviews ) and measurement instruments (for surveys ).

Most students understand the first point but don’t give any thought to the rest. To get the most from the literature review process, you must keep all four points front of mind as you review the literature (more on this shortly), or you’ll land up with a wonky foundation.

Okay – with the why out the way, let’s move on to the how . As mentioned above, writing your literature review is a process, which I’ll break down into three steps:

• Finding the most suitable literature
• Understanding , distilling and organising the literature
• Planning and writing up your literature review chapter

Importantly, you must complete steps one and two before you start writing up your chapter. I know it’s very tempting, but don’t try to kill two birds with one stone and write as you read. You’ll invariably end up wasting huge amounts of time re-writing and re-shaping, or you’ll just land up with a disjointed, hard-to-digest mess . Instead, you need to read first and distil the information, then plan and execute the writing.

Step 1: Find the relevant literature

Naturally, the first step in the literature review journey is to hunt down the existing research that’s relevant to your topic. While you probably already have a decent base of this from your research proposal , you need to expand on this substantially in the dissertation or thesis itself.

Essentially, you need to be looking for any existing literature that potentially helps you answer your research question (or develop it, if that’s not yet pinned down). There are numerous ways to find relevant literature, but I’ll cover my top four tactics here. I’d suggest combining all four methods to ensure that nothing slips past you:

Method 1 – Google Scholar Scrubbing

Google’s academic search engine, Google Scholar , is a great starting point as it provides a good high-level view of the relevant journal articles for whatever keyword you throw at it. Most valuably, it tells you how many times each article has been cited, which gives you an idea of how credible (or at least, popular) it is. Some articles will be free to access, while others will require an account, which brings us to the next method.

Method 2 – University Database Scrounging

Generally, universities provide students with access to an online library, which provides access to many (but not all) of the major journals.

So, if you find an article using Google Scholar that requires paid access (which is quite likely), search for that article in your university’s database – if it’s listed there, you’ll have access. Note that, generally, the search engine capabilities of these databases are poor, so make sure you search for the exact article name, or you might not find it.

Method 3 – Journal Article Snowballing

At the end of every academic journal article, you’ll find a list of references. As with any academic writing, these references are the building blocks of the article, so if the article is relevant to your topic, there’s a good chance a portion of the referenced works will be too. Do a quick scan of the titles and see what seems relevant, then search for the relevant ones in your university’s database.

Method 4 – Dissertation Scavenging

Similar to Method 3 above, you can leverage other students’ dissertations. All you have to do is skim through literature review chapters of existing dissertations related to your topic and you’ll find a gold mine of potential literature. Usually, your university will provide you with access to previous students’ dissertations, but you can also find a much larger selection in the following databases:

• Open Access Theses & Dissertations
• Stanford SearchWorks

Keep in mind that dissertations and theses are not as academically sound as published, peer-reviewed journal articles (because they’re written by students, not professionals), so be sure to check the credibility of any sources you find using this method. You can do this by assessing the citation count of any given article in Google Scholar. If you need help with assessing the credibility of any article, or with finding relevant research in general, you can chat with one of our Research Specialists .

Alright – with a good base of literature firmly under your belt, it’s time to move onto the next step.

Need a helping hand?

Step 2: Log, catalogue and synthesise

Once you’ve built a little treasure trove of articles, it’s time to get reading and start digesting the information – what does it all mean?

While I present steps one and two (hunting and digesting) as sequential, in reality, it’s more of a back-and-forth tango – you’ll read a little , then have an idea, spot a new citation, or a new potential variable, and then go back to searching for articles. This is perfectly natural – through the reading process, your thoughts will develop , new avenues might crop up, and directional adjustments might arise. This is, after all, one of the main purposes of the literature review process (i.e. to familiarise yourself with the current state of research in your field).

As you’re working through your treasure chest, it’s essential that you simultaneously start organising the information. There are three aspects to this:

• Logging reference information
• Building an organised catalogue
• Distilling and synthesising the information

I’ll discuss each of these below:

2.1 – Log the reference information

As you read each article, you should add it to your reference management software. I usually recommend Mendeley for this purpose (see the Mendeley 101 video below), but you can use whichever software you’re comfortable with. Most importantly, make sure you load EVERY article you read into your reference manager, even if it doesn’t seem very relevant at the time.

2.2 – Build an organised catalogue

In the beginning, you might feel confident that you can remember who said what, where, and what their main arguments were. Trust me, you won’t. If you do a thorough review of the relevant literature (as you must!), you’re going to read many, many articles, and it’s simply impossible to remember who said what, when, and in what context . Also, without the bird’s eye view that a catalogue provides, you’ll miss connections between various articles, and have no view of how the research developed over time. Simply put, it’s essential to build your own catalogue of the literature.

I would suggest using Excel to build your catalogue, as it allows you to run filters, colour code and sort – all very useful when your list grows large (which it will). How you lay your spreadsheet out is up to you, but I’d suggest you have the following columns (at minimum):

• Author, date, title – Start with three columns containing this core information. This will make it easy for you to search for titles with certain words, order research by date, or group by author.
• Categories or keywords – You can either create multiple columns, one for each category/theme and then tick the relevant categories, or you can have one column with keywords.
• Key arguments/points – Use this column to succinctly convey the essence of the article, the key arguments and implications thereof for your research.
• Context – Note the socioeconomic context in which the research was undertaken. For example, US-based, respondents aged 25-35, lower- income, etc. This will be useful for making an argument about gaps in the research.
• Methodology – Note which methodology was used and why. Also, note any issues you feel arise due to the methodology. Again, you can use this to make an argument about gaps in the research.
• Quotations – Note down any quoteworthy lines you feel might be useful later.
• Notes – Make notes about anything not already covered. For example, linkages to or disagreements with other theories, questions raised but unanswered, shortcomings or limitations, and so forth.

If you’d like, you can try out our free catalog template here (see screenshot below).

2.3 – Digest and synthesise

Most importantly, as you work through the literature and build your catalogue, you need to synthesise all the information in your own mind – how does it all fit together? Look for links between the various articles and try to develop a bigger picture view of the state of the research. Some important questions to ask yourself are:

• What answers does the existing research provide to my own research questions ?
• Which points do the researchers agree (and disagree) on?
• How has the research developed over time?
• Where do the gaps in the current research lie?

To help you develop a big-picture view and synthesise all the information, you might find mind mapping software such as Freemind useful. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of physical note-taking, investing in a large whiteboard might work for you.

Step 3: Outline and write it up!

Once you’re satisfied that you have digested and distilled all the relevant literature in your mind, it’s time to put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keyboard). There are two steps here – outlining and writing:

3.1 – Draw up your outline

Having spent so much time reading, it might be tempting to just start writing up without a clear structure in mind. However, it’s critically important to decide on your structure and develop a detailed outline before you write anything. Your literature review chapter needs to present a clear, logical and an easy to follow narrative – and that requires some planning. Don’t try to wing it!

Naturally, you won’t always follow the plan to the letter, but without a detailed outline, you’re more than likely going to end up with a disjointed pile of waffle , and then you’re going to spend a far greater amount of time re-writing, hacking and patching. The adage, “measure twice, cut once” is very suitable here.

In terms of structure, the first decision you’ll have to make is whether you’ll lay out your review thematically (into themes) or chronologically (by date/period). The right choice depends on your topic, research objectives and research questions, which we discuss in this article .

Once that’s decided, you need to draw up an outline of your entire chapter in bullet point format. Try to get as detailed as possible, so that you know exactly what you’ll cover where, how each section will connect to the next, and how your entire argument will develop throughout the chapter. Also, at this stage, it’s a good idea to allocate rough word count limits for each section, so that you can identify word count problems before you’ve spent weeks or months writing!

PS – check out our free literature review chapter template…

3.2 – Get writing

With a detailed outline at your side, it’s time to start writing up (finally!). At this stage, it’s common to feel a bit of writer’s block and find yourself procrastinating under the pressure of finally having to put something on paper. To help with this, remember that the objective of the first draft is not perfection – it’s simply to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper, after which you can refine them. The structure might change a little, the word count allocations might shift and shuffle, and you might add or remove a section – that’s all okay. Don’t worry about all this on your first draft – just get your thoughts down on paper.

Once you’ve got a full first draft (however rough it may be), step away from it for a day or two (longer if you can) and then come back at it with fresh eyes. Pay particular attention to the flow and narrative – does it fall fit together and flow from one section to another smoothly? Now’s the time to try to improve the linkage from each section to the next, tighten up the writing to be more concise, trim down word count and sand it down into a more digestible read. 

Once you’ve done that, give your writing to a friend or colleague who is not a subject matter expert and ask them if they understand the overall discussion. The best way to assess this is to ask them to explain the chapter back to you. This technique will give you a strong indication of which points were clearly communicated and which weren’t. If you’re working with Grad Coach, this is a good time to have your Research Specialist review your chapter.

Finally, tighten it up and send it off to your supervisor for comment. Some might argue that you should be sending your work to your supervisor sooner than this (indeed your university might formally require this), but in my experience, supervisors are extremely short on time (and often patience), so, the more refined your chapter is, the less time they’ll waste on addressing basic issues (which you know about already) and the more time they’ll spend on valuable feedback that will increase your mark-earning potential.

Literature Review Example

In the video below, we unpack an actual literature review so that you can see how all the core components come together in reality.

Let’s Recap

In this post, we’ve covered how to research and write up a high-quality literature review chapter. Let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• It is essential to understand the WHY of the literature review before you read or write anything. Make sure you understand the 4 core functions of the process.
• The first step is to hunt down the relevant literature . You can do this using Google Scholar, your university database, the snowballing technique and by reviewing other dissertations and theses.
• Next, you need to log all the articles in your reference manager , build your own catalogue of literature and synthesise all the research.
• Following that, you need to develop a detailed outline of your entire chapter – the more detail the better. Don’t start writing without a clear outline (on paper, not in your head!)
• Write up your first draft in rough form – don’t aim for perfection. Remember, done beats perfect.
• Refine your second draft and get a layman’s perspective on it . Then tighten it up and submit it to your supervisor.

Learn More About Lit Review:

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5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

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Writing A Literature Review: 4 Time-Saving Hacks

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Research Question 101: Everything You Need To Know

Learn what a research question is, how it’s different from a research aim or objective, and how to write a high-quality research question.

Research Question Examples: The Perfect Starting Point

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📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

Proposal Writing

Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

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Apps, Tools & Tricks

The Grad Coach Podcast

38 Comments

Thank you very much. This page is an eye opener and easy to comprehend.

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I wish I come across GradCoach earlier enough.

But all the same I’ll make use of this opportunity to the fullest.

Thank you for this good job.

Keep it up!

You’re welcome, Yinka. Thank you for the kind words. All the best writing your literature review.

Thank you for a very useful literature review session. Although I am doing most of the steps…it being my first masters an Mphil is a self study and one not sure you are on the right track. I have an amazing supervisor but one also knows they are super busy. So not wanting to bother on the minutae. Thank you.

You’re most welcome, Renee. Good luck with your literature review 🙂

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an amazing and very constructive way of presetting a topic, very useful, thanks for the effort,

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It is very good video of guidance for writing a research proposal and a dissertation. Since I have been watching and reading instructions, I have started my research proposal to write. I appreciate to Mr Jansen hugely.

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I was really stuck in reading and gathering information but after watching these things are cleared thanks, it is so helpful.

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Thank you for this whole literature writing review.You have simplified the process.

I’m so glad I found GradCoach. Excellent information, Clear explanation, and Easy to follow, Many thanks Derek!

You’re welcome, Maithe. Good luck writing your literature review 🙂

Thank you Coach, you have greatly enriched and improved my knowledge

Great piece, so enriching and it is going to help me a great lot in my project and thesis, thanks so much

This is THE BEST site for ANYONE doing a masters or doctorate! Thank you for the sound advice and templates. You rock!

Thanks, Stephanie 🙂

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I am doing two papers on my final year thesis, and I must stay I feel very confident to face both headlong after reading this article.

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if anyone is to get a paper done on time and in the best way possible, GRADCOACH is certainly the go to area!

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Good morning scholar. I’m delighted coming to know you even before the commencement of my dissertation which hopefully is expected in not more than six months from now. I would love to engage my study under your guidance from the beginning to the end. I love to know how to do good job

Thank you so much Derek for such useful information on writing up a good literature review. I am at a stage where I need to start writing my one. My proposal was accepted late last year but I honestly did not know where to start

Like the name of your YouTube implies you are GRAD (great,resource person, about dissertation). In short you are smart enough in coaching research work.

This is a very well thought out webpage. Very informative and a great read.

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I appreciate.

Very comprehensive and eye opener for me as beginner in postgraduate study. Well explained and easy to understand. Appreciate and good reference in guiding me in my research journey. Thank you

Thank you. I requested to download the free literature review template, however, your website wouldn’t allow me to complete the request or complete a download. May I request that you email me the free template? Thank you.

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