How to write a literature review

1. How to write a literature review

2. What is a review article? A review article is a type of secondary literature that talks about previously published work. “Review articles give an overview of existing literature in a field, often identifying specific problems or issues and analysing information from available published work on the topic with a balanced perspective.” 6 Article types that journals publish: A guide for early career researchers - Kakoli Majumder - Available at: http://www.editage.com/insights/6-article-types-that-journals-publish-a-guide-for-early-career-researchers

3. Types of review articles Today, we’ll understand how to write a literature review. Systematic reviews Literature reviews Meta-analyses

4. What is a literature review? A literature review is a critical summary of all the published works on a particular topic. It analyzesspecific issues. It identifies trends in research. It points out research gaps in existing literature. How a literature review helps scientists and readers • Scientists are able to: • Learn about developments in the field • Find gaps in research • Identify new topics of research • Readers are able to: • Form an idea about the current state of understanding on a topic • Decide whether to read each article individually

5. How to write a literature review • You can write your literature review using one of the following approaches: Chronological Thematic

6. The chronological approach Describe each work in succession, starting with the earliest available information. TIPS for using the chronological approach • Use this structure when you want to focus on how ideas or methodology have progressed over time. • Group and discuss your sources in order of their publication date. • Record the research and developments in each group. • Check how the field has developed over the years. Do all studies discuss a common topic? • Example: how models for treatment methods for skin cancer in children have developed over a specific period Vector designed by www.freepik.com

7. The thematic approach Organize and discuss existing literature based on themes or theoretical concepts you feel are important to understanding the topic. TIPS for using the thematic approach • Remember that you need to do much more than summarizing each study. • Analyzeexisting knowledge on the topic with regard to certain important issues. • Draw the readers’ attention to new angles or perspectives. • Start listing citations you may include in your paper. Vector designed by www.freepik.com

8. Structure of a literature review A literature review typically has five sections: Introduction Methods Body Discussion & Conclusion Reference list

9. What you should include in each section (1/5) Set some context; provide information about the field of study, the relevance of the chosen topic within the field, and the focus of the literature review. Introduction Introduction

10. What you should include in each section (2/5) Introduction Set some context; provide information about the field of study, the relevance of the chosen topic within the field, and the focus of the literature review. Help readers understand your approach, describe the criteria used to select the sources or the way in which you have presented information. Methods

11. What you should include in each section (3/5) Introduction Set some context; provide information about the field of study, the relevance of the chosen topic within the field, and the focus of the literature review. Help readers understand your approach, describe the criteria used to select the sources or the way in which you have presented information. Methods A chronological model has different paragraphs for different time periods; a thematic model has subtopics based on the different themes. Body

12. What you should include in each section (4/5) Introduction Set some context; provide information about the field of study, the relevance of the chosen topic within the field, and the focus of the literature review. Help readers understand your approach, describe the criteria used to select the sources or the way in which you have presented information. Methods A chronological model has different paragraphs for different time periods; a thematic model has subtopics based on the different themes. Body Summarize the main contributions of significant studies, raise and discuss questions about the topic and field, clearly mention gaps in research, if any, and possible suggestions for further study. Discussion & Conclusion

13. What you should include in each section (5/5) Introduction Set some context; provide information about the field of study, the relevance of the chosen topic within the field, and the focus of the literature review. Help readers understand your approach, describe the criteria used to select the sources or the way in which you have presented information. Methods A chronological model has different paragraphs for different time periods; a thematic model has subtopics based on the different themes. Body Summarize the main contributions of significant studies, raise and discuss questions about the topic and field, clearly mention gaps in research, if any, and possible suggestions for further study. Discussion & Conclusion Prepare a complete reference list that includes every important detail of all the sources you have referred to. Reference list Source: A young researcher's guide to writing a literature review, Available from http://www.editage.com/insights/a-young-researchers-guide-to-writing-a-literature-review

14. Final checklist (1/2) The topic must be interesting to you; it should also be well-defined and important to the field. Choose the right topic Check the literature you have chosen Monitor the papers you have chosen to review, make changes to your bibliography, if required; prepare a complete reference list. Write interesting bits of information or ideas as you read so that you don’t miss important points when writing the review. Take notes while reading Decide whether you should use a thematic or chronological approach, based on the amount and type of material you have. Decide the format of your review Keep the focus specific and interest general While you focus on a specific topic, make sure your review is also relevant to a broader audience who may want to know more about the field.

15. Final checklist (2/2) Cover the main findings in the reviewed field, include topics that are most debated, add your own thoughts instead of reporting what has been said. Analyze critically, don’t summarize Use a flowchart to map the flow of ideas in your literature review, and ensure that readers get a critical overview of research in the field. Get the structure right Seek feedback from colleagues and peers, and get more perspectives from senior colleagues before submitting your literature review for publication. Rely on feedback Avoid sounding as though you are overly critical or in favor of previous research; objectively present the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies. Be objective It is not necessary to only include the latest studies in your review; include older papers that made a high impact or that discussed the topic you are interested in. Include older studies Source: Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149

16. We hope you found this useful. Good luck with your literature review!

17. For more useful resources and tips on publication, visit our website: www.editage.com/insights Connect with us @EditageInsights