How to Write Literature Review?

 

 

While writing/ developing the review of related literature, the researchers are required to focus on the following components in this regard: 

a) Introduction 

b) Main Body 

c) Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the introduction is to: 

i. Define the major problem (the topic is initially addressed in broad terms; but, as the review progresses, it is further explored with reference to the existing body of literature).

ii. Define the scope of the review

iii. Give an overview of the major issue's history.

iv. Explain how the nature of the problem has been defined in the current study environment.

MIDDLE/ MAIN BODY

The middle or major body should: 

i. Organize the literature using main and sub-headings in a thematic, chronological, or integrative fashion.

ii. Give an understanding of the relationship between the main problem and secondary concerns as seen through the eyes of researchers, theorists, and thinkers from several fields.

iii. Develop sound and valid arguments, propositions, and claims to critique the existing literature from an analytical and evaluative stance. 

iv. Develop sound and valid arguments, propositions, and claims to critique the existing literature from an analytical and evaluative standpoint.

v. Integrate methodological, theoretical, analytical, and evaluative details from selected literature.

vi. Include a description of the theoretical framework chosen by the researcher.

Include a description of the theoretical framework chosen by the researcher.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion should: 

i. summarise the key characteristics of the existing body of literature

ii. assess the present condition of the literature studied 

iii. connect the major study to existing knowledge.

iv. Identify substantial faults or knowledge gaps in the existing body of knowledge; describe how can the present research attempt to fill up the gaps.

v. Outline future research areas

References & Further Readings: 

Gay, L.R, Mills, G, & Airasian P. (2012). Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications. Pearson: New Jersey. 

Literature review (2018, Aug, 26). Retrieved from https://guides.library.bloomu.edu/litreview 

Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 

Sally, D. (2003, September 9). The Structure of your Literature Review. Retrieved from https://academiccoachingandwriting.org/dissertation-doctor/dissertation-doctor-blog/ivthe-structure-of-your- literature-review/