How to write a CRITICAL Literature Review: You MUST follow these 3 STEPS!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of writing a critical literature review, a key component of your dissertation. Many students struggle with making their literature reviews critical rather than merely descriptive. By following the three steps outlined in this guide, you'll learn how to effectively move from description to analysis and finally to evaluation, enhancing the intellectual rigor of your review.

Step 1: Description

The first step in the intellectual ladder is description. This involves summarizing existing literature without offering personal interpretations or critiques.

• Identify Relevant Literature: Start by gathering sources that are pertinent to your research topic.
• Summarize Key Findings: Write brief summaries of each source, focusing on:
  • Main arguments
  • Methodologies used
  • Results and conclusions
• Organize Your Summaries: Group the literature based on themes, methodologies, or chronological order to create a clear structure.

Practical Tips for Description

• Use bullet points for clarity when summarizing.
• Avoid personal opinions; focus solely on what the authors have stated.

Step 2: Analysis

Once you've described the literature, the next step is analysis. This phase requires deeper engagement with the texts.

• Compare and Contrast Studies: Look for similarities and differences among the studies you've summarized, focusing on:
  • Methodological strengths and weaknesses
  • Theoretical frameworks used
• Identify Patterns and Trends: Analyze how the literature contributes to the broader field. Consider:
  • Are there prevailing theories?
  • What methodologies are frequently used?
• Highlight Gaps: Look for areas that require further research or questions that remain unanswered.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Analysis

• Don’t merely list studies without connecting them to each other.
• Avoid biases by ensuring a balanced view of varied perspectives.

Step 3: Evaluation

The final step is evaluation, where you assess the quality and relevance of the literature.

• Critique Methodologies: Evaluate the appropriateness of the methods used in each study. Consider:
  • Are the methods valid for the research questions posed?
  • What are the limitations of each study?
• Assess Contributions to the Field: Determine how each piece of literature has advanced knowledge in your area:
  • Did it fill a gap?
  • Did it challenge existing theories?
• Make Recommendations: Based on your evaluation, suggest future research directions that could address identified gaps.

Practical Tips for Evaluation

• Be objective and support your evaluations with evidence from the literature.
• Use a structured format to present your critiques, ensuring clarity.

Conclusion

In summary, writing a critical literature review involves a systematic approach that progresses through description, analysis, and evaluation. By following these steps, you will not only enhance the quality of your literature review but also strengthen your overall dissertation. Remember to continuously engage with your literature and consult with your supervisor or peers for feedback as you refine your work. Good luck!