Writing the Dissertation - The Literature Review

Introduction

This tutorial aims to guide you through the essential steps of writing a literature review for your dissertation. A well-structured literature review is crucial as it demonstrates your understanding of existing research and positions your work within the academic field. This guide will provide practical advice and best practices to help you craft an effective literature review.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of a Literature Review

• Clarify the role of the literature review:
  • It surveys existing research relevant to your dissertation topic.
  • It identifies gaps in the literature that your research aims to address.
  • It synthesizes information to build a foundation for your own research.
• Ensure you understand the expectations of your discipline regarding literature reviews.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

• Gather a comprehensive range of sources:
  • Use academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR) to find peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses.
  • Keep track of all sources using reference management software (e.g., Zotero, EndNote).
• Evaluate the quality and relevance of each source:
  • Look for recent publications to ensure current perspectives.
  • Assess the credibility of the authors and the journals.

Step 3: Organize Your Findings

• Categorize sources based on themes or trends:
  • Create a literature matrix to visualize connections between studies.
  • Highlight key findings, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks.
• Take detailed notes summarizing each source’s contribution to your topic.

Step 4: Develop a Clear Structure

• Choose a structural approach for your review:
  • Thematic: Focus on specific themes or topics within the literature.
  • Chronological: Trace the development of research over time.
  • Methodological: Compare different research approaches used in the literature.
• Create an outline based on your chosen structure, ensuring it logically flows and addresses your research questions.

Step 5: Synthesize Information

• Go beyond summarizing sources; synthesize their findings:
  • Compare and contrast different studies, highlighting agreements and disagreements.
  • Discuss how the literature informs your research questions or hypotheses.
• Use synthesis to build a narrative that connects your findings to the broader field.

Step 6: Write the Literature Review

• Start with an engaging introduction:
  • Define the scope of your review and its significance.
• Follow with structured sections based on your outline:
  • Use clear headings for each theme or section.
  • Integrate quotes and paraphrases effectively, providing context for each.
• Conclude by summarizing key insights and identifying gaps your research will address.

Step 7: Revise and Edit

• Review your draft for clarity and coherence:
  • Ensure logical flow between sections.
  • Confirm that all sources are accurately cited in the appropriate format (APA, MLA, etc.).
• Seek feedback from peers or advisors to refine your work.

Conclusion

Writing a literature review is a fundamental step in your dissertation process. By understanding its purpose, conducting thorough research, organizing your findings, and synthesizing information effectively, you will create a robust foundation for your research. Remember to revise diligently and seek feedback to enhance the quality of your review. For further insights and resources, consider visiting the University of Southampton's guide on writing your dissertation's literature review.