Forms of Writing
Literature Review
A literature review is intended to summarize and synthesize the pertinent research on a topic by
professionals in the field. A literature review can stand alone or appear as part of a longer work,
such as a research proposal. The quality of the literature review is dependent upon (a) the writer's clarity of purpose and focus of the research question; (b) the
thoroughness of the writer's search; (c) the quality and reliability of the writer's sources; (d)
the degree to which the writer provides synthesis ( i.e., relates research studies to one another and to the paper's thesis and purpose in meaningful ways); and (e) the objectivity of the writer in selecting, interpreting, organizing, and summarizing
the research he or she has reviewed.
The links below provide information about, and examples of, literature reviews undertaken for a variety of purposes. Links are also provided for creating a literature review matrix.
Online Resources
Writing the Literature Review
The Literature Review Matrix
Keep in mind that a literature review is not just a summary of studies, but rather a synthesis of information and research methods in those studies. You must make clear how the studies relate to one another and to your thesis or research question and to your purpose. Synthesis requires comparing themes, methods, and conclusions among the authors. One way to keep track of it all is to create a research matrix (plural, matrices), or table. The links below will give you an idea of how to create a matrix that fits your research.
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Writing a Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix |
North Carolina State Tutorial Services.. Ingram, Hussey, Tigani, Hemmelgarn, & Huneycutt, contributors |
Sample Matrix for Psychology Literature Review (p. 3 of document).
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California Institute for Mental Health
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Create Your Own matrix in MS Word |
This blank matrix is ready for you to use for your own research review. |
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