Tips for writing a literature review from the McIntyre Library at the

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Writing a Literature Review

What is a literature review?A description of literature published about

a specific topic.An overview of significant literature

published on a topic.Specifies the significant contributions to

the understanding of the topic.May identify gaps in knowledge about a

specific topic.

Literature Review versus Research Paper

Literature Review Research PaperSynthesis and

summary of other people’s arguments and ideas

Emphasis on the sources, not the argument

Uses evidence to support an argument or idea

Greater emphasis on argument and analysis than on sources

Four step process

Selecting a topicPick a topic about which books and articles

are published. Choose a well-defined topic.Write about what interests you.

Literature SearchConsider several topics before selecting oneFind at least one pivotal book or article

(resource)Do you understand the main point of the

book/article? Search comprehensively using library databasesCan you access the resources needed to

conduct your literature review?Don’t put off your literature search because you

may need to request articles via Interlibrary LoanA 5-10 year retrospective is a good timeframe

to keep in mind

Reading strategiesLocate and write notes about:

Research questionFindingsConclusion

Read carefully for precise differences & relationships between resources (and write these differences down!)

Reading strategies continued…Organize resources by sub-topic. This will

help you to:Synthesize your findingsNote gaps in knowledge

Give yourself time to read all items. Take notes on each article.Be sure to write down direct quotes.

Writing strategiesFind a focus.Construct a thesis statement.Plan your organization.

IntroductionBody – organization within the body!Conclusion

Finding your focus

Final Tips…Use evidenceBe selectiveUse quotes in moderation Summarize & SynthesizeMaintain your own voiceDon’t plagiarize!

More tips…Avoid vague referencesDon’t start each paragraph the same wayDon’t just list each source one after the

other with a description or summaryThe narrower your topic, the easier it will

be to get a good survey of the sources available

Sources:Galvan, J.L. (2004). Writing Literature

Reviews. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.University of California – Santa Cruz. How

to Write a Literature Review. Accessed online at http://library.ucsc.edu/ref/howto/literaturereview.html

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Literature Reviews. Accessed online at http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/literature_review.html

Questions?