1. Purpose
1.1. To provide an overview of the topic, problem or question
1.2. It is a map of the field
1.3. A conversation on the topic
1.4. Notes: I am reporting on the topic.
2. Where literature review usually fits in an essay or dissertation?
2.1. Comes after the introduction, and before the methods section
2.2. Usually concludes with identifying a gap in the scholarship
2.3. Pose research questions to be addressed in the literature review (my research)
3. Essential Steps
3.1. Defines and clarifies thetopic, research question, or problem
3.2. Shows the landscape ofthefield (theknowledgeterrain)
3.2.1. summarize most important points
3.2.2. identify connections
3.2.2.1. commonalities
3.2.2.2. differences
3.2.3. suggests next step forward
3.3. 1. develops a research question
3.3.1. 2. look at what others are saying about it
3.3.1.1. 3. determine how each sources addressed these questions
3.3.1.1.1. 4. synthesizes the connections
4. Steps to writing aliteraturereview
4.1. 1. Identify and develop a research question or issue
4.2. 2. Identify the scholarships on the topic. Read critically.
4.2.1. Identify author's main purpose, the points, the conclusions.
4.2.1.1. Ask: How do these points relate to my issue, problem or question?
4.2.1.2. Ask: How are these points supported?
4.2.1.3. Ask: Are the evidence and reasoning strong?
4.3. 3. Identify materials most relevant to the issue, problem, or question.
4.3.1. Highlight
4.3.2. Create a literature review matrix
4.4. 4. Look for common topics and themes among sources
4.4.1. What are they discussing?
4.4.2. What approaches are they taking?
4.4.3. How are they similar to your research questions?
4.5. 5. Determine which source address the themes and points outlines
4.6. 6. Determine the order of the points.
4.6.1. How does it make sense?
4.6.2. How do you want to tell your story?
4.7. 7. Draft the literature review
4.7.1. Begin with a statement
4.7.1.1. Discuss the sources