Key Questions for a Literature Review
To build a strong literature review, ask yourself these key questions:
1. Identifying Key Concepts
- What are the key concepts in this area of study?
- Which aspects of the topic are most relevant to my research?
- What are the main perspectives on this topic in previous research?
2. Analyzing Existing Research
- In which subject areas has the topic been studied?
- Which discussions are most relevant to my research?
- How is this topic approached by others in the field?
3. Exploring Debates and Gaps
- What are the key areas of debate in this field?
- What have been the main research questions in this area?
- What conclusions have previous studies reached?
4. Identifying Gaps and Future Research Directions
- Where are the gaps in the literature?
- Where is existing knowledge 'thin' or lacking?
- Which existing work could be extended or challenged?
By asking these questions, you will gain insights into the existing literature and identify areas that need further exploration.