Importance of Review of Literature

The Current Trend

• A common mistake, especially in literature reviews is that writers present

material from one author, followed by information from another, then

another in line with the old definition of “education”, that is:

o “Education is the process in which the ideas pass from the note-book of the

teacher to the notebook of the student, without passing through the minds of

either.:

• This type of review, which, in simple computer language is “cut and paste”,

does not demonstrate ones understanding of the literature nor the ability to

evaluate other people’s work.

• Such reviews are usually prepared by inexperienced scientists and

postgraduate students who write series of paragraphs, often in chronological

order.

• In these paragraphs everything is copied from the “Abstracts” which are

collected from an abstracting service.

The Correct Approach

• The review of literature should not be a descriptive set of abstracts or

summaries.

• It should be organized into useful, informative sections that present themes

or identify trends and keep abreast of the developments in the field.

• The value of the review depends not simply on how many sources or

references have been collected, but on one’s awareness of how these

different levels of perspectives affect the way the research on the topic is

conducted, published and read.

• The write up should give a true picture and not paint the brighter side only.

• An easy way to this effect is to group authors who draw similar conclusions

and link them by using such words as “also, additionally, again, similarly,

etc.”

• When authors disagree, linking words that indicate contrast will show how

the work has been analyzed. Such words are “however, conversely,

nonetheless, on the other hand, etc.”

• Sometimes an author’s work requires to be qualified by using such words as

“specifically, usually or generally”

• In some cases, there may be a need to provide examples by employing

“thus, namely, to illustrate, etc.”

 • Connecting the work of different authors is essential to reflect that the

material has passed through the process of understanding, assimilation and

analysis.

Requirements of a Review of Literature

• There is a need to have a specific problem or research question, which the

literature review must help to define

• Different types of publications should be scanned such as journals, books,

government documents, popular media, etc.

• The information-seeking skills have to be good so that relevant information

is found from these sources.

• The search should be wide enough to ensure that the required material has

been found.

• There must be a specific relationship between the literature chosen to review

and the problem being formulated.

• The literature must be critically analyzed.

• It is not just enough to just list and summarize authors and articles, but their

assessment is essential.

• The strengths and weaknesses of the cited material should be discussed.

• Studies contrary to the perspective may also be discussed.

• The reader must find the literature review relevant, appropriate and useful
• Another major problem is that literature reviews are often written as if they

stand alone, without links to the rest of the thesis.

• A clear relationship among the literature review, the hypothesis and

methodology to follow must exist.

• At the end of the review, a summary of what the literature implies need to be

included. This is required so that it clearly links with one’s own hypotheses

and methodology.