A literature review is a detailed analysis of previous studies on a specific topic. Its primary purpose is to summarize, evaluate, and connect past research to your current study. It helps identify gaps in the existing knowledge, establish a theoretical foundation for your research, and demonstrate the relevance of your topic. A well-written literature review not only provides context but also justifies the significance of your research.
To create a comprehensive literature review, students should:
- Search for Credible Sources: Use scholarly databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed to find peer-reviewed articles, books, and other reliable sources.
- Organize the Sources Thematically: Group your research into themes or categories to create a logical flow of ideas.
- Critically Evaluate the Sources: Don’t just summarize the articles—critically analyze them by discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to your research.
- Identify Gaps in the Research: Highlight areas that require further study, which will form the basis of your research question.
- If you are struggling to organize your sources or find relevant materials, consider ordering a custom research paper that includes a thorough literature review to use as a reference.