Sample Literature Review

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Work toward a specific focus.

The review of literature should be like a discussion with a friend concerning the studies, research reports, and writings that bear directly on your own effort. Be very clear in your thinking.

2. Organize a plan.

Have an outline, for which the best guide is the problem itself.

Begin the discussion from a broad perspective and narrow to the

specific problem.

3. Stress Relatedness.

Remind the reader constantly of how the literature you are discussing is related to the problem. Use a skeleton outline to assist you in establishing this relationship.

4. Review the Literature; Don’t Copy It!

More important than what the study says is what you say about the study.

5. Establish the Relationship of the Literature to your Project

This can be done by charting each study in relation to the problem or subproblem it addresses. Study carefully before beginning to write.

6. Summarize Your Thoughts and Ideas.

Continue asking the question, "What does it all mean?" and continue searching for relatedness.

Practical advice given to help the writer know when the review of literature is completed include the following ideas:

1. Finding circular patterns in the materials you are reading (same arguments, same findings, etc.) usually indicates that the researcher is familiar with the key ideas of the literature.

2. Use two or three articles that impressed you as models for your own literature review.

3. Writing a rough draft then refining will improve clarity. 

4. Ask others for feedback. 
 

The review of related literature is an important piece in your research effort and should be given the attention it deserves. Doing this successfully will not only help you to clarify your own efforts, but will also make your path easier for your readers to follow.
 
 From: Background Research / The Review of Literature By Karen Vaverka, Stella Fenn