How to write a literature review

as a last year student it may seem daunting having to write a literature review and it may cause stress panic and anxiety but follow this and hopefully it makes it so much easier for you

 

a literature review shows you are fully aware of the background and the topic in which you are writing your dissertation or writing piece for. it is there for you to describe and inform the reader of the current state of the research in the specific area you have chosen. here are a few pointers as to how to write the best dissertation piece you possibly could.

always ensure that you consider whether there are any closely related areas that will need to be referred to throughout the literature review and from this you can see if there is an identifiable a gap in the research where you can say there is a need for more in-depth research in that area.

you must ensure you explain how in your dissertation you are able to attend the issues and fore fill that gap.

don’t forget to add in some of the following; theoretical content, methological context, practical context and political context

in saying the previous this may be a better lay out to understand it more clearly

general literature;

theoretical approach

empiricalw approach

central literature;

detailed analysis of theoretical and conceptual debates

discuss the main findings of important empirical structures

focused analysis of policy implication

Introduction to the literature review;

-outline the wider context of your literature review (where/how does your dissertation topic fits into wider subjects)

– outlining the scope of your literature review including sources and areas to be discussions.

-outlining how and why you have been selecting in the literature you are reviewing.

-providing a rationale reason and aims for reviewing the literature on the specific topic you are doing.

Main discussion of the literature review;

-analysing and evaluating the themes, issues, provisions (suggest, conclusion and opinions of authors) found in the litriture

-synthesising (= drawing together/ combing) common themes, issues and propositions to enable you to draw and respond to a conclusion

-comparing and contrasting themes, issues, propositions and research outcomes

Conclude your literature review;

-conclude how your literature review has met the aims outlined in your introduction

-summarising and synthesising the main issues and themes related to your topic area and research question as identified in the literature you’ve reviewed

-suggesting areas of further development and study

-outlining implications and significant of the identified themes and issues for your dissertation

-identify why and how your own research will aim to address the gaps identified (providing a rationale for your topic)