Literature Review Handout

Liberty University
Online Writing Center

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Handout Description
A review of literature is a critical analysis of a portion of the published body of
knowledge available through the use of summary, classification, and comparison of
previous research studies, reviews of literature, and journal articles (Subject
Guides, n.d.). This handout discusses the reasons for writing a literature review
and presents its various requirements. It examines what a literature review is, as
well as what it is not; it distinguishes between the literature review and the
annotated bibliography. Like many academic writing assignments, there is not one
universal standard for writing a literature review. Its format can differ from
discipline to discipline and from assignment to assignment. There is, however, an
overall structure that is commonly used across various disciplines, and this format
is examined in more detail. The handout concludes with some helpful tips and
tricks for preparing a literature review.

Disclaimer: The content of a literature review may vary from discipline to discipline
and from assignment to assignment. The literature review content recommended
in this handout is that which is most commonly included. If in doubt about what you
should include in your literature review, please consult your professor.

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Literature Review Handout

Defining a Literature Review
What is a literature review?
A literature review examines the current scholarly work available on a particular
subject, perhaps within a given time period (Writing Center Handouts, n.d.). It is
not merely a summation of the existing work; its purpose is to analyze critically the
applicable published body of knowledge (The Writers Handbook, n.d.) in order
to establish the current knowledge of that topic (Subject Guides, n.d.). The
literature review is more than a survey of various sources, but it is not a book
review (Subject Guides, n.d.). It is the summary and synthesis of material
gathered from various sources and organized to address an issue, research
objective, or problem statement (Writing Center Handouts, n.d.). A well-written
literature review may even state what research has yet to be done (Writing Center
Handouts, n.d.). A literature review, then, must do these things:

be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question

being developed

synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known

identify areas of controversy in the literature

formulate questions that need further research (Taylor and Procter, n.d.).

Why do a literature review?

A literature review gives an overview of a specific field of inquiry (Writing a
Literature Review, n.d.). It asks questions concerning the prevailing theories and
hypotheses, the key researchers, the current state of the research, and the
methods and methodologies being used (Writing a Literature Review, n.d.). The
literature review helps the potential researcher identify the research question, focus
the topic of inquiry, understand the makeup of a particular research question,
understand an ideas genetic roots, and understand the current conceptual
landscape (Literature Review, n.d.). In other words, the literature review shows
the potential researcher how prevailing ideas fit into his/her own thesis and how
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his/her thesis agrees or differs from them (Writing a Literature Review, n.d.). It
also points out major methodological flaws or gaps in research, inconsistencies in
theory and findings, and areas or issues pertinent to future study (The Writers
Handbook, n.d.).
What are the differences?
How does a literature review differ from other writing assignments? A literature
review is not a research paper, although, like other forms of expository writing, it
does use well-formed paragraphs and a logical structure. However, where a
research paper uses relevant literature to support the discussion of the thesis; in a
literature review, the literature itself is the subject of discussion (Writing a
Literature Review, n.d.). The literature review may be a self-contained unit, that is
an end in itself, or it may be preface to engaging in primary research (The Writers
Handbook, n.d.). The literature review itself does not present any new primary
scholarship (Write a Literature Review, n.d.).
How does a literature review differ from an annotated bibliography? A literature
review is also not an annotated bibliography, although it may be produced from an
annotated bibliography (Literature Review, n.d.). An annotated bibliography is a
listing of references, which includes a single paragraph descriptive analysis of each
work listed (Literature Review, n.d.). On the other hand, a literature review is an
essay in itself, which summarizes and evaluates already published arguments about
a certain topic (Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review,
n.d.). A literature review is a piece of discursive prose, not a list describing or
summarizing one piece of literature after anotherthat is an annotated
bibliography (Taylor and Procter, n.d.).
A literature review is also not to be confused with a book review, as the literature
review offers an overview of significant literature published on a topic (Write a
Literature Review, n.d.). Nor is a literature review a literary review, which is a
brief, critical discussion about the merits and weaknesses of a literary work, such
as a play, novel, or book of poems (Researching and Writing Literature Reviews,
n.d.).
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Writing a Literature Review

Writing a literature review requires four stages: problem formulation, literature
search, data evaluation, and analysis and interpretation (Researching and Writing
Literature Reviews, n.d.).

Problem Formulation
The purpose of problem formulation is to define which topic or field is being
examined and to identify its component issues (Write a Literature Review, n.d.).
This stage is similar to the development of a thesis statement for a research paper.
The researcher must identify the specific thesis, problem, or research question that
the subsequent review of literature will help to define. According to Spiller (n.d.),
one should choose a current, well-studied, specific topic.

Literature Search
The literature search finds materials relevant to the subject being explored (Write
a Literature Review, n.d.). This step may sound easier than it actually is. The
Columbia University Writing Center suggests the following strategy:
1. Identify and find the big names and best publications in the research area.
2. Conduct an online literature search.
3. Look in bibliographies of the most recent books and journal articles.
4. Avoid the popular press, such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal,
and Wikipedia (Writing Center Handouts, n.d.).
As always, make sure to write down the full bibliographic details of each book or
article as soon as you find a reference to it. Many abstracting journals and
electronic databases are available through the University Library.
The minimum number of references needed depends upon what the review is for
and what stage you are in in your studies. As a general rule, an undergraduate
review should use between five and twenty titles, depending on the level. A
masters thesis should use over forty, and a doctoral dissertation should use over
fifty (Writing a Literature Review, n.d.).
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Data Evaluation
Data evaluation involves determining which literature makes a significant
contribution to the understanding of the topic (Write a Literature Review, n.d.).
According to the American University Library, ask the following questions about the
material you are including:
1. Has the author formulated a problem/issue?
2. Is it clearly defined? Is its significance (scope, severity, relevance) clearly
established?
3. Could the problem have been approached more effectively from another
perspective?
4. What is the authors research orientation (e.g., interpretive, critical science,
combination)?
5. What is the authors theoretical framework (e.g., psychological,
developmental, feminist)?
6. What is the relationship between the theoretical and research perspectives?
7. Has the author evaluated the literature relevant to the problem/issue? Does
the author include literature taking positions she or he does not agree with?
8. In a research study, how good are the basic components of the study design
(e.g., population, intervention, outcome)? How accurate and valid are the
measurements? Is the analysis of the data accurate and relevant to the
research question? Are the conclusions validly based upon the data and
analysis?
9. In material written for popular readership, does the author use appeals to
emotion, one-sided examples, or rhetorically-charged language and tone? Is
there an objective basis to the reasoning, or is the author merely proving
what he or she already believes?
10.How does the author structure the argument? Can you deconstruct the flow
of the argument to see whether or where it breaks down logically (i.e., in
establishing cause-effect relationships)?

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11.In what ways does this book or article contribute to our understanding of the
problem under study, and in what ways is it useful for practice? What are
the strengths and limitations?
12.How does this book or article relate to the specific thesis or question I am
developing? (Literature Review Tutorial (n.d.)).
Spiller (n.d.) suggests the following strategy: read the easier articles first; scan the
article for key points; then read for depth; and finally, allow enough time.

Analysis and Interpretation

This stage involves discussing the findings and conclusions of pertinent literature
(Write a Literature Review, n.d.). Apply the principles of analysis to identify
unbiased and valid studies; specifically, compare and contrast information or
arguments between sources (Annotated Bibliography & Literature Review, n.d.).
All pertinent facts need to be organized in a systematic way. Columbia Universitys
Writing Center suggests the following steps to critically assessing the material:
List three questions you want answered by the material.
1. Summarize the major points the author makes.
2. How does the author support his/her position (specific facts, details, etc.)?
3. Were the three questions raised concerning the article answered? List
answers. If not, what questions did the author subsequently raise and
answer?
4. Evaluate the article, with consideration for the following:
5. What are its strengths and/or weaknesses?
6. Is the subject covered adequately?
7. Is the authors position adequately supported?
8. Is it biased, balanced, etc.?
9. Do you agree with the authors position and why? (Writing Center
Handouts, n.d.).
In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:

ProvenanceWhat are the authors credentials? Are the authors arguments

supported by evidence (e.g., primary historical material, case studies,
narratives, statistics, recent scientific findings)?

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ObjectivityIs the authors perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is

contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove
the authors point?
PersuasivenessWhich of the authors theses are most/least convincing?
ValueAre the authors arguments and conclusions convincing? Does the
work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the
subject? (Write a Literature Review, n.d.).

Structuring the Literature Review

While there is no general standard for structuring a literature review, most formats
contain common elements organized in a particular manner; this handout offers
that structure.

Remember that this is not a boilerplate format that can be used

in every situation, but rather one that has widespread use among the various
disciplines. Be sure to contact your professor concerning any differences between
the format shown here and that of your individual assignment.

Introduction
The purpose of the introduction is to define or identify the general topic, issue, or
area of concern, thus providing an appropriate context for reviewing the literature
(The Writers Handbook, n.d.).

The introduction must present the specific

research hypothesis, purpose of the research, or questions about the topic under
consideration. The thesis statement or statement of significance must be specific to
the topic under consideration. The use of first person is permitted (Subject
Guides, n.d.).
The introduction should also point out overall trends in what has 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. Finally, it should establish the writers 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) (The Writers
Handbook, n.d.).

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Body
The purpose of the body is to group research studies and other types of literature
(reviews, theoretical articles, case studies, etc.) according to common
denominators such as qualitative versus quantitative approaches, conclusions of
authors, specific purpose or objective, chronology, etc. (The Writers Handbook,
n.d.).

The body of the review should be presented in essay form and should not

be a list of the resources used in researching the topic (Subject Guides, n.d.). The
following is one example of how various sources should be summarized and
synthesized in a narrative form:

This is one point of my paper. Here is sour ce A and how it

relates to this point. Source A additionally states this, this,
and this. Source A contributes this to the field. However,
Source A does not cover that, that, and that. Source B refutes
As conclusion. Source Bs conclusion points to th is, that, and
the other thing. Source B also points this out and supports my
point.
Source C corroborates with B in the following ways.
Additionally, Source C says this and that. However, Source D
disagrees with Source C, attributing another cause. In fact,
Source D supports Source As conclusion by stating that this
causes that and not the other way around. But Source D
(Annotated Bibliographies, n.d.)
The body of the review should report the findings of the previous research on a
topic, not just the methodologies and measurements used in the research. It
should point out trends and themes, as well as gaps in the literature, that is, it
should synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known and
formulate questions that need further research (Taylor and Procter, n.d.). Direct
quotations should be used sparingly. Details of the literature being cited should be
reported sparingly, as well (Subject Guides, n.d.). It should provide the reader
with strong umbrella statements at beginnings of paragraphs, signposts
throughout, and brief so what summary sentences at intermediate points in the
review to aid in understanding comparisons and analyses (The Writers Handbook,
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n.d.). In other words, it should address how the material contributes to the
understanding of the problem under study, how it is useful for practice, and how it
relates to the specific thesis or question being developed (Taylor and Procter, n.d.).

Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize major pieces of significant studies and articles to
the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the
introduction. It should also evaluate the current state of the art for the body of
knowledge reviewed, pointing out major methodological flaws or gaps in the
research, inconsistencies in theory and findings, and areas or issues pertinent to
future study. Finally, it should conclude by providing some insight into the
relationship between the central topic of the literature review and a larger area of
study such as a discipline, a scientific endeavor, or a profession (The Writers
Handbook, n.d.).

Final Thoughts
Spiller (n.d.) provides the following tips for writing the literature review:

Make yourself comfortable.

Dont start writing too early.
Leave time for breaks.
Use specific language and support your arguments with concrete examples.
Paraphrase, dont quote.
Evaluate what you report.
Avoid plagiarism.

If done well, your literature review should show other researchers that you have
done your homework and are qualified to contribute to the field. Further
information on writing a literature review may be found in the resources listed in
the Reference List.

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References
Annotated Bibliography & Literature Review.
http://acdrupal.evergreen.edu/tsps/node/66 accessed July 15, 2011.
Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review.
http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-annotatedbibliography-and-literature-review/ accessed July 15, 2011.
Lausch, Shannon. (2011). Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews.
http://associatedcontent.com/shared/print.shtml?content_type...
Literature Review. http://data.fen-om.com/int460/0-literature-review.pdf
accessed July 1, 2011.
Literature Review Tutorial.
http://www.library.american.edu/Help/tutorials/lit_reviews/is_not.html
accessed July 15, 2011.
Plummer, Brenda Gayle (n.d.). The Changing Face of Diplomatic History: A
Literature Review. Retrieved from http://www.historycooperative.org/cgibin/printpage.cgi .
Reece, Gwendolyn (2002). Critical Thinking and Transferability: AReview of the
Literature. Retrieved from
www.library.american.edu/Help/tutorials/lit_review/critical_thinking.pdf
Researching and Writing Literature Reviews.
http://www.library.arizona.edu/help/tutorials/litreviews/whatis.html
accessed July 15, 2011.

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Sample Literature Review. http://www.cgu.edu/pages/931.asp accessed July 1,

2011.
Spiller, Laura. Writing a Psychology Literature Review. University of Washington,
Psychology Writing Center.
http://depts.washington.edu/psywc/handouts.shtml accessed July 15, 2011.
Subject Guides: How to Write a Literature Review.
http://lib.uah.edu/researchassistance/literaturereview.html accessed July
13, 2011.
Taylor, Dena and Procter, Margaret. (n.d.). The Literature Review: A Few Tips on
Conducting It.

Retrieved from

http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/specific-types-of-writing/literaturereview
Write a Literature Review. http://library.ucsc.edu/print/help/howto/write-aliterature-review accessed July 15, 2011.
Writing a Literature Review.
http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/writing/literature accessed July 13,
2011.
The Writers Handbook: Learn how to write a review of literature.
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html accessed July 1,
2011.
Writing Center Handouts: preparing for a literature review.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/write/handouts/review.html accessed July
15, 2011.

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