Writing a Literature Review

A literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of current knowledge on a particular topic. Most often associated with science-oriented literature, such as a thesis, the literature review usually proceeds a research proposal, methodology and results section. Its ultimate goals is to bring the reader up to date with current literature on a topic and forms that basis for another goal, such as the justification for future research in the area. (retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature_review)​​​​​​

The literature review is typically just one part of a larger writing project or research study. Before beginning the review of literature, ensure you have identified each of the following aspects of your original research question or problem:

• Identify what the study is about
• Identify where the study takes place
• Identify why the study takes place
• Identify who is involved
• Identify why the study is valuable
• Identify how you are going to approach the study