LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature
Reviews
What is it?

Published topic by scholars and

researchers.
Part of an essay, research report or thesis.

Can be standalone document.

Established knowledge and ideas on a

topic.
Established Strength and weaknesses of
ideas
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Literature
Reviews
Its Purpose?

Contextualize and Justify the Research

Project
Ensure novelty and not a duplication

Situate within the existing body of

knowledge
Illustrate how the topic/subject has been
studied previously
Highlights flaws and identify gaps.

Help refine, refocus or change the topic.

Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

1. Identify a “Big Question” of focus

ISSUES
S

I SS
UE

UE
IS S

S
IDEA
Th

e s
em

e m
Th
es

Themes

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Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

2. Construct working research

question/statement.
ISSUES This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
S

I SS
UE

UE - Start with a simple question or

IS S

S
statement
QUESTION
- Should have big implication in
Th

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em

e m
Th
es

Themes
Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

3. Find and evaluate potential sources.

Published books
Published articles
Published researches

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Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

4. Skim texts to determine which to

include in the literature review.

Read the abstract

Introduction
chapter/table of This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

contents, first and last

DOES IT ANSWER ONE OF YOUR QUESTION/S?
paragraphs
DOES IT INFORM/SUPPORT A POTENTIAL
SECTION OF YOUR STUDY?
Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

5. Prepare for efficient and critical reading

and note taking.

Break your study into manageable, distinct themes/topic to be addressed.

Exploratory reading/survey.

Skim and scan texts to determine the theme/topics of each resource

Look for keywords that represent your study

Record the themes/topics (use chart, tables, list, mind maps…)

Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

5. Read and Analyze. Focus on reading to

find specific information, concise notes for
each theme.

Summarize to help to determine if you understood and able to remember the content.

Look for evidence (to back up assertions; connections with other topic or your own
knowledge)

What are the author’s central arguments? What do they conclude? What is their
evidence? Is relevant/strong? What ae the author’s assumptions?
Record any thoughts or comments you have.
Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

6. Consider the organization of the

literature review.
5 Basic Elements
Introduction

Bibliography
Body of the review
Conclusions/Recommendations

Glossary of terms
Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

7. Write the Introduction.

Provides argument and critical assessment (topics and claims)

Does not argue on the research question/s but provides particular perspective on
the study.

Outlines the gaps/weaknesses to be reviewed.

Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

8. Organize the body of the literature

review

Consider how to present the sources:

Chronological
Topical/thematic

Methodological
Literature
Reviews
Strategies in Writing

9. Consider other sections to include in

the review.

Information necessary to understand the

Current situation topic/focus of the literature review.

Chronological Of the field, the literature or an idea.

Progression
Criteria used to select your sources of the way in
Methods/Standards which you present your information.
Literature
Reviews
Recommended Outline for Capstone Book

1. Introduction

2. Body of review

3. Conclusions/Recommendations