Literature Reviews

1. Define the research question
2. Plan your approach to your research
3. Conduct the search
4. Manage your results
5. Synthesize & analyze the information
6. Write the literature review

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.

Some questions to think about as you develop your literature review:

• What is known about the subject?
• Who are the significant researchers in this area?
• Are there any knowledge gaps?
• Have areas of further study been identified by other researchers that you may want to consider?
• Is there consensus about the topic? Or is there disagreement between researchers?
• What aspects have generated significant debate on the topic?
• What methods or problems were identified by others studying in the field and how might they impact your research?
• Are you focusing on methodological approaches; on theoretical issues; on qualitative or quantitative research?
• What is the most productive methodology for your research based on the literature you have reviewed?
• Are there sources of information or data identified that might be useful to you?
• How detailed does your review need to be? Will it be a review of ALL relevant material or will the scope be limited to more recent material (e.g., the last five years).