Literature Reviews

So you’ve been assigned to write a Lit reviews have a few purposes: literature review. The first time they’re • To for a piece of research assigned to write a lit review, many provide background and context students will find this type of essay • To demonstrate familiarity with the academic conversation alarming or difficult because it’s unlike in a given field any other kind of academic writing. • To open up gaps in the knowledge base, which will be As you’re getting started, the first question filled by your new research you’ll want to clarify is, o Therefore, to justify this new research What exactly is a literature review? A lit review is NOT: ‌ Essentially,a lit review is an examination • An argument. Instead of putting forth new information, of the existing literature on a topic. It a lit review engages with information that already exists. pulls in many sources, summarizes them, It may open up questions, but it does not seek to answer and synthesizes them into an overview of them. the current academic conversation. • An annotated bibliography. A lit review goes beyond simply listing sources and engaging with one at a time. It It is often one section of a longer research synthesizes many sources into something coherent, which paper, not a freestanding document. gives a sense of the general conversation in the field and contextualizes a specific piece of research. Ok, so that’s what a lit review is. Now… How do I actually write one? 1.1. GatherGather useful useful sources sources. 3. SummarizeSummarize and and cite cite. • Familiarize yourself with your topic. Look at • Give concise, accurate summaries. Pulling the the prominent figures, not the small players. important information out of your sources, Since you’re trying to give a sense of the general give a short, clear sense of what each source conversation in the field, the most significant says and how it fits into the field’s broader voices in your field are the first ones to look at. conversation. • Types of sources you may consult: • Always cite your information.A lit review will i. Key sources that theorize or originate the be full of citations, way more than other types topic you’re exploring of essays, since the purpose is not to add your ii. Specific research that contains empirical work to the field, but instead to review the work findings in support of your topic that already exists. • iii. Related sources that may not be about Don’t analyze. The only thing you’re adding to your exact topic, but which are significant the extant literature is the suggestion that it to your study is incomplete and that new research needs to be done. You may evaluate the value of your 2.2. OrganizeOrganize your your information information into intogroups groups. sources, but do not create an argument and use Don’t just create a list of sources. Communicate your the literature to prove your point. This is not information in logical, meaningful units that relate to an argumentative research paper. It is only a your research topic. synthesis of the existing conversation on your topic, and a suggestion that your own research is • Chronological. This is one of the most common necessary based on a gap in that conversation. organizational strategies for a lit review. Begin in the past and build up with the major 4. MeetMeet with with your your professor/advisor professor/advisor. developments in your topic, to create a sense of No two lit reviews look the same. They are organized in what the conversation has been and what past different ways, follow different formats depending on influences inform it. the academic field, and emphasize different purposes. • Topical/Thematic. Organize your information These are the basics, but asking your professor or by subject or theme. Are there subtopics to advisor is the best way to make sure your lit review is your research topic that lend themselves to a effective for your specific needs. thematic grouping?