Notes and Pointers on

Conducting a Review of
Related Literature
1. Purpose
The main purpose of a review of related literature is to
provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge,
research, and theories related to your topic. It helps to
establish the context for your study, identify research gaps,
and justify the need for your research.
2. Define the Scope
Determine the specific boundaries and scope of your
literature review. Focus on key concepts, variables, and
themes that are relevant to your research question or
objective. This will help you narrow down the literature
search and ensure relevance.
3. Search Strategy
Develop a systematic approach for searching relevant
literature. Utilize academic databases, scholarly journals,
books, conference proceedings, and reputable online
sources. Use appropriate keywords, Boolean operators
(AND, OR, NOT), and filters to refine your search results.
4. Selection Criteria
Establish specific criteria for selecting the literature.
Consider factors such as publication date, relevance, quality,
and credibility of the sources. Include both seminal works
and recent studies to capture the historical context and
current developments in your field.
5. Read critically
Evaluate the selected literature critically. Assess the
strengths and limitations of each study, examine the research
methodologies employed, and consider the reliability and
validity of the findings. Identify any conflicting or
contradictory evidence.
6. Organize and synthesize
Create a logical structure for your review. Group related
studies based on themes, theories, or key findings.
Summarize and synthesize the information from different
sources to identify patterns, trends, and research gaps.
Provide a balanced and objective assessment of the
literature.
7. Citation and referencing
Maintain accurate and consistent citations throughout
your review. Use a citation management tool like EndNote
or Zotero to organize your references. Follow the
appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) required by your
academic institution or publication.
8. Critique and discussion
In addition to summarizing the literature, critically
analyze and discuss the key findings, methodologies, and
theoretical perspectives. Identify any gaps, inconsistencies,
or controversies in the existing literature. Highlight the
significance of your research in addressing these gaps.
9. Writing the review
Begin with an introduction that sets the context and
purpose of the review. Use clear and concise language, and
maintain a coherent flow of ideas. Subdivide the review into
sections based on themes or subtopics. End with a
conclusion that summarizes the main findings and
emphasizes the need for your research.
10. Keep it up to date
A review of related literature is an ongoing process.
Continuously monitor new publications, research studies,
and advancements in your field. Update your review
periodically to ensure its relevance and accuracy.