5 Steps to Write a Literature Review
Writing a literature review can be a daunting task, but following these five key steps can help you structure your work effectively:
Step One: Be Clear on Your Areas of Research
- Define your research topics and identify relevant keywords.
- Focus on scholarly articles and books that fit your research areas.
Step Two: Search for the Literature
- Conduct a comprehensive bibliographic search for books and articles.
- Read abstracts and select papers most relevant to your research.
Step Three: Read and Identify the Gaps
- Read through the selected literature thoroughly.
- Summarize key findings and identify gaps or research opportunities.
Step Four: Organize the Structure of the Review
- Choose an organizational structure: chronological, thematic, methodological, or theoretical.
- Ensure a logical flow of ideas to help readers follow your analysis.
Step Five: Begin to Write the Literature Review
- Discuss the overall implications of the literature you've reviewed.
- Suggest areas for future research based on identified gaps.
- Maintain a clear and concise academic writing style.