How to Write a Research Paper: The Literature Review

You are sitting at a table, with your laptop open, and you are stumped. How to elicit a well written literature review for this research paper? In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process, from how to organize a literature review to its outline, its different components and a generalized example, Engram will provide you with the tools to create the perfect literature review.

Steps to Success

Define Your Purpose and Scope
Conduct Comprehensive Research
Analyze and Synthesize
Organize Your Literature Review
Writing and Revision

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Scope

Before diving into the literature, it's essential to clarify your purpose and scope. Ask yourself:

What is the specific research question or problem you want to address?
What is the scope of your literature review (e.g., a specific time period, geographic region, or type of sources)?
What are your objectives (e.g., summarizing existing research, identifying gaps, or critiquing methodologies)?

Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you stay focused and organized throughout the process.

Step 2: Conduct Comprehensive Research

To create a thorough literature review, you must conduct exhaustive research. Follow these steps:

Identify Relevant Databases: Utilize academic databases like PubMed, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and your university's library resources.
Develop Effective Search Queries: Craft precise search queries using keywords, Boolean operators, and advanced search options.
Organize Your Search Results: Keep track of your findings using citation management tools like EndNote or Zotero.
Read Actively: Carefully read and take notes on the selected articles, books, and other sources. Highlight key points, methodologies, and findings. It's important to critically evaluate each source with an open mind, keeping your topic's specificities in mind.

Helpful tip

Opt for primary sources whenever feasible, particularly those found in reputable publications or authored by established experts in the field. Additionally, take into account the temporal context and the background of each source as they pertain to your subject matter.

Step 3: Analyze and Synthesize

Once you have gathered a substantial body of literature, it's time to analyze and synthesize the information:

Categorize Sources: Group sources by themes, theories, methodologies, or any other relevant criteria.
Identify Trends and Patterns: Look for recurring themes, debates, and gaps in the literature.
Synthesize Information: Summarize each source's main points, methodologies, and findings. Compare and contrast different perspectives.
Develop a Conceptual Framework: Create a conceptual framework that maps out the relationships between various studies and concepts in your field.

Questions to ask:

Is this source sufficiently qualified to contribute to the conversation?
How closely does the subject matter of this source correspond with the query I am attempting to address?

Step 4: Organize Your Literature Review

A well-organized literature review is crucial for clarity and coherence:

Components of a Literature Review

Introduction: Begin with a concise introduction that provides an overview of the topic, states your research question, and outlines the structure of your review.
Body: Organize your literature review thematically or chronologically, depending on your research goals. Discuss relevant studies in each section and highlight their contributions.
Critical Analysis: Offer critical insights and evaluations of the literature, including strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of previous research.
Identify Gaps: Clearly articulate the gaps in existing literature and explain how your research addresses these gaps.
Conclusion: Summarize the main findings, restate the significance of your research, and suggest avenues for future research.

Questions to ask:

What method would be the most efficient for structuring this data?

Step 5: Writing and Revision

Writing your literature review is a gradual process that involves drafting, revising, and polishing:

Write Clearly: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Ensure that your writing flows logically from one point to the next.
Citations and References: Properly cite all sources using the appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Proofread and Edit: Thoroughly proofread your literature review for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
Seek Feedback: Ask peers, mentors, or colleagues to review your work and provide constructive feedback.

Conclusion

Writing a literature review is a fundamental skill for academics and researchers. It requires careful planning, extensive research, critical analysis, and clear organization. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can master the art of writing a literature review that contributes significantly to your field of study. Remember that a well-crafted literature review not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you establish your unique place in the scholarly conversation. Happy writing!