The Basic Literature Review

There are various acceptable formats for writing a literature review. This is a three-page basic literature review (of 5 peer-reviewed articles), and must be written in continuous prose, that is, complete sentences and paragraphs (with supporting references).

“The basic literature review (Figure I.1) summarizes and evaluates the existing knowledge on a particular topic. Its purpose is to produce a position on the state of that knowledge; this is the thesis. The basic literature review begins by selecting and identifying a research interest or issue for inquiry; this is the study question. As you proceed, you will narrow and clarify this interest into a research topic. The research topic clearly identifies and frames the literature review. The outcome of the literature review will be the development of a case that argues the research thesis.”  Reference

It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries. A literature review consists of an overview, a summary, and an evaluation (“critique”) of the current state of knowledge about a specific area of research. It may also include a discussion of methodological issues and suggestions for future research. A literature review must do the following: Reference

1. be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question you are developing;
2. synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known;
3. formulate questions that need further research.