Before you begin writing your literature review you will have:
1. Chosen a topic of general interest to you and done exploratory research on that topic
During your exploratory research, you will have identified major themes associated with the topic. Amongst those themes, you will identify controversies, errors in long held beliefs, or gaps in information. Using these, you developed your research question and your working hypothesis.
For help on choosing research topics, see our LibGuide on "Choosing a research topic.”
2. Thoroughly researched your topic and possibly written an annotated bibliography
You should find and read all the previous research on your topic. Make notes that include the citation of each article and its major points, especially those that relate you the position you have taken on the topic.
3. If necessary, clarify the assignment requirements
If your assignment is not very specific, seek clarification from your instructor:
Roughly how many sources should you include?
What types of sources (books, journal articles, websites)?
Should you summarize, synthesize, or critique your sources by discussing a common theme or issue?
Should you evaluate your sources?
Should you provide subheadings and other background information, such as definitions and/or a history?
4. Find models
Look for other literature reviews in your area of interest or in the discipline and read them to get a sense of how a literature review works in your field. Most scholarly articles will contain a literature review.
