A literature review is just that -- a review of the literature (i.e., research) on a certain topic. They can vary in length depending on the scope of your project and the research already conducted on your topic. A literature review can either be a stand alone paper or an introduction to a larger conversation.
This should be more than just a list of authors and research studies.Critically examine the research and discuss the sources in relation to each other. What does the evolution of the literature say about how the research has change? What holes are remaining in the research? How is your thesis a response to the current research?
Video by and posted with the permission of Academic Skills, The University of Melbourne, Australia
There are a number of ways that you can organize your literature review:
Preparing Literature Reviews by
Illustrates all the steps in preparing qualitative and quantitative literature reviews. Emphasizes topic selection, locating literature, and avoiding major pitfalls in evaluating and synthesizing literature.
Writing Literature Reviews by
Guides students in the preparation of literature reviews for term projects, theses, and dissertations. Most examples include material from recently published research. Includes nine model literature reviews for discussion and evaluation.