How to Conduct a Literature Review

Introduction – Your introduction should convey the following: 

• Define the topic of the literature review, including any terminology 
• Introduce the central theme and organization of the literature review
• Summarize the state of research on the topic
• Frame the literature review with your research question

Body – The body is where you relate the story the sources you have consulted tell.

• Focus on ways to have the body of literature tell its own story. Do not add your own interpretations at this point
• Look for patterns and find ways to tie the pieces together
• Summarize instead of quote
• Weave the points together rather than list summaries of each source
• Include the most important sources, not everything you have read

Conclusion – Summarize how your interests align with the conversation at large. Or use the conclusion to speculate on what research is needed going forward.

• Summarize the review of the literature 
• Identify areas of further research on the topic
• Connect the review with your research

Format - Be sure to follow the format and style guidelines for your discipline.

• Avoid plagiarism by properly citing your sources
• Check out the library's How to Cite guide for additional information

• Tell a story
  • Don’t simply list sources in random order and summarize/evaluate each one. Instead, explain how your work and the work of others contribute to our knowledge and understanding.
• Use evidence 
  • Refer to several other sources when making a point. Your interpretation of the available sources must be backed up with evidence to show that what you are saying is valid. 
• Be selective 
  • Select only the most important points in each source to highlight in the review. The type of information you choose to mention should relate directly to the review’s focus. 
• Use quotes sparingly 
  • Some short quotes here and there are okay if you want to emphasize a point or if what the author said just cannot be rewritten in your own words.
• Summarize and synthesize 
  • Remember to summarize and synthesize your sources within each paragraph as well as throughout the review. You can highlight important features of a study, but then synthesize it by rephrasing the study’s significance and relating it to your work. 
• Keep your own voice 
  • While the literature review presents others’ ideas, your voice (the writer’s) should remain front and center. You should weave references to other sources into your text, but still maintain your voice by starting and ending the paragraph with your ideas and words. The sources support what you are saying. 
• Use caution when paraphrasing 
  • When paraphrasing a source that is not your own, be sure to represent the author’s information or opinions accurately and in your own words.