Follow these 6 points while reviewing the literature

By on June 21, 2014

A review of published literature relating to the subject of current research is essential for any study. A review of literature involves a critical analysis of the works of different scholars and researchers who have already worked on a topic relating to the subject of the current research. A common misconception is that the conclusion of the research paper is based upon primary data analysis, therefore, a review of the literature is usually the overlooked area. However, a review of the literature is one of the most important elements to completing research. The following guidelines will help you plan a proper and effective review of the literature for your study:

1. Understand the research problem

Before reviewing the literature for your study, you must understand the research problem which is the basis of any research. Usually, the problem statement clarifies the purpose of the research, as well as the shortcomings, that is to be conducted.

2. Understand the aims and objectives of the research

Once the areas of research are identified by you with the help of the research problem then you should understand the aims and objectives of the research. The aims and objectives of the research will help you to understand the connections between your study and the studies conducted by other authors in the same field. It also helps to present your study in a proper flow.

3. A review of the literature is based on secondary data

A review of the literature for research is based on secondary data (data already published). Sources of secondary data may include websites, books, e-books, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc. However, it is important to note here that blogs are not a reliable source of data for academic assignments. Therefore refrain from referring to blogs.

4. Look for statistics and facts

Usually, students believe that a review of literature means writing about theories and models that may not even relate to the objectives of the study. But an important part of this part is to update the readers with the latest facts and figures on the research subject. Include a lot of relevant statistics to give a practical outlook to the research. While including statistics, one must take care of the data sources.

5. Don’t forget to critically evaluate your literature

Most of the students fail because they do not include any critical review in their papers. A critical review is probably the most important aspect while reviewing the literature. There must be enough reasoning in the literature that you include. Also, you must keep questioning the relevance of the theory and models that you include.

6. Revising your literature review section while writing

A review of literature is usually not less than 40% of the total words of an entire research paper. Many times you may get overloaded with data and lose your content flow. One can avoid this through intermediate and periodic revisions.

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