How To Write A Literature Review In 3 Simple Steps (FREE Template With Examples)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a clear and concise guide on how to write a literature review in three simple steps. A literature review is essential for understanding the scope of research in your field, synthesizing existing knowledge, and identifying gaps in the literature. By following these steps, you will be able to efficiently gather, organize, and write your literature review.

Step 1: Sourcing the Key Literature

To create a strong literature review, you need to find relevant and high-quality journal articles. Here are some effective methods:

1. Google Scholar Scrubbing

   • Use Google Scholar to search for articles related to your topic.
   • Filter results by relevance and publication date.
   • Read abstracts to identify the most pertinent studies.

2. University Library Hunting

   • Access your university's library database.
   • Utilize subject-specific databases to find scholarly articles.
   • Check for available books and other resources on your topic.

3. Snowballing Journal Articles

   • Start with a few key articles.
   • Check their reference lists to find additional relevant sources.
   • Look for articles that have cited these studies for more recent research.

4. Reviewing Other Dissertations

   • Search for dissertations in your field.
   • Review their literature review sections to identify important literature and methodologies.
   • Take note of their references for further exploration.

Step 2: Log, Catalog, and Synthesize the Literature

After sourcing the literature, it’s crucial to organize and synthesize your findings effectively.

1. Logging the Literature

   • Create a spreadsheet or use the free literature review Excel template provided by Grad Coach.
   • Include columns for authors, publication year, title, and a brief summary of each source.

2. Cataloging Your Literature

   • Organize your literature by themes, methodologies, or theoretical frameworks.
   • Use tags or categories to facilitate easy searching and retrieval.

3. Synthesize the Literature

   • Identify key themes and trends across the literature.
   • Note any gaps or areas needing further research.
   • Develop a narrative that connects the literature to your research question.

Step 3: Outlining and Writing Up

The final step involves drafting your literature review.

1. Developing an Outline

   • Create a structured outline based on the themes identified in your synthesis.
   • Organize sections logically, typically starting with broader themes and narrowing down to specific studies.

2. Structural Options

   • Choose a structure that suits your literature review, such as chronological, thematic, or methodological.
   • Ensure that each section flows logically into the next.

3. Writing Up Your Literature Review

   • Start writing based on your outline, ensuring clarity and coherence.
   • Use citations appropriately to support your arguments.
   • Revise and edit for clarity, conciseness, and academic tone.

Conclusion

Writing a literature review doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these three straightforward steps—sourcing relevant literature, organizing and synthesizing your findings, and drafting your review—you'll be well on your way to producing a comprehensive and insightful literature review. For further assistance, consider exploring additional resources or templates provided by Grad Coach. Happy writing!