1. Literature Review Brought to you by the Center for Teaching and Learning

2. A successful literature review:  Synthesizes material from several sources on the same question/research topic.  Assesses the state of existing knowledge on a topic by comparing studies in terms of assumptions about the research question, experimental method, data analysis, any conclusions drawn, and to raise questions for further research.

3. A literature review is done before you start the research because  Familiarity with the knowledge in the field allows you to define the boundaries and availability of the field.  Understanding of the theory driving the field allows you to place your research question into context.  Familiarizes you with the assessment and research methods proven successful in the field.  Familiarity prevents duplication of the same information (prevents you from being unoriginal).  Familiarity of the knowledge in the field allows you to analyze the significance of your additional research.

4. Research Checklist  Do you have relevant sources?  Are your sources from scholarly academic journals or books?  Can you offer justification for using popular sources?

5. Description, Analysis, and Evaluation  Analyze each source in terms of (1) rhetorical context, (2) issues, (3) thesis, (4) arguments, and (5) response.  Briefly (in 1-2 sentences) describe the significance of each source.

6. Synthesize and Organize  Have you found the bases of comparison by examining: o Point of view o Definition of terms o Common ground o Factors studied o Issues that divide

7. Prewrite Checklist  Construct an outline by writing full sentences to describe the significance or effect of the comparisons.  Organize your comparisons in logical order.

8. Writing the Literature Review: Introduction  Engage the reader in your topic  State the issue (research question)  Progressively narrow topic to specific lines of research  State the thesis that expresses your assessment of the state of knowledge on the issue  Describe an organizational strategy or outline of progression

9. Body should include:  Description of each study/source  Evaluation of each study/source  Meaningful headings/sub-headings that organize the paper  Paragraphs that compare/contrast important factors (assumptions, interpretations of results, theories, hypothesis, speculations, etc.)

10. Conclusion  Summary of what researchers have shown  Evaluation of the work done  Strengths and weaknesses  Questions for further study

11. Common errors in reviewing literature  Hurrying through review to get started could mean that you will miss something that will improve your research.  Relying too heavily upon secondary sources.  Concentrating on findings rather than methods.  Overlooking sources other than academic journals. Don’t forget newspaper articles, magazines, blogs, etc.  Searching too broad or too narrow of a topic.  Inaccuracy in the compiling of bibliographic information.

12. Further Information  Contact the CTL for a one-to-one appointment, either online or in person.  ctlwrite@uis.edu  217-206-6503