Writing Your ThematicLiterature Review

Purpose of the LiteratureHelps map and define your research

topicPresents a balanced viewJustifies your research questionAllows you to keep up-to-date with

what is currently in the fieldProvides literature for you to compare

your findings with at the endTo emphasize the credibility of the

writer in her/his field

What is a Thematic Literature Review?Focuses on a specific topicCompiles the research that has been

published on the topic by scholars and experts

Provides background for the problem or puts the problem into historical perspective

Informs the reader about the current concepts and state of research on the topic and any controversies

Organizes the citations thematically into a narrative

A Review of the Literature is NotA thesis paperAn annotated bibliography listing

references and adding brief notes about the value of each source

Suggestions for further readingA collection of quotes and

paraphrasing from other sources

Thematic Literature ReviewAllows you to discuss your

sources in terms of the themes or topics they cover

Forces you to summarize your sources

Thematic grouping enables you to demonstrate the types of topics important to your research

Thematic Literature ReviewCan be grouped according to

terms, theories, arguments, disagreements, or methods in the literature

Make sure you understand your sources

Do not use sources if you do not fully understand them

Thematic Literature ReviewMap your conceptsWith 5 – 10 primary sources you

should have from 2 – 6 major themes

Concept Map ExampleSource Theme1 A2 B, C3 A, B4 A, B, C5 C6 C, D

Concept Map ExampleTheme Source CitationsA 1, 3, 4B 2, 3, 4C 2, 4, 5, 6D 6

Concept Map ExampleTheme Source CitationsNature of the problem 1, 3, 4Findings on best practices 2, 3, 4Use of reinforcement 2, 4, 5, 6Teacher Modeling 6

Themes Emerging from the ReviewNature of the ProblemReview of best practices in

addressing the issueUse of reinforcement as a

specific intervention strategyTeacher modeling as an

intervention strategy

Once you have your themesOrganize them in a way that

makes to your projectMake sure the order makes sense

and ‘flows’Share with a colleague and get

feedback