How to Write a Killer Literature Review

Purpose of a Literature Review

It demonstrates your knowledge of the field and justifies your research question by showing what has (and hasn't) been done before.

Steps to Success

1. Search Broadly: Use academic databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar.
2. Evaluate Sources: Not all sources are equal. Prioritize peer-reviewed journals.
3. Identify Themes: Group your sources by theme or debate, not just chronologically.
4. Synthesize: Don't just list summaries. Explain how sources relate to each other. 'While Smith (2020) argues X, Jones (2021) suggests Y...'

Common Pitfalls

Avoid being too descriptive. Your voice and analysis should guide the review, not just the voices of others.