How to write a literature review? Guide for JNI students
Literature review
What is a literature review?
Critical analysis of published sources (relevant research, journal articles, reports, chapters and books) on a
chosen topic.
How to write a literature review? Five steps.
Step 1
Define the topic that you would like to research (i.e. effectiveness of CBT on depression), and define the
purpose and scope of your review.
Write an introduction presenting the topic and scope of your literature review.
Define the keywords and phrases for database search (i.e. cognitive behavioural, CBT, depression
treatment).
Step 2
Find relevant and up-to-date academic sources that you will utilise – visit a library, run a search in a
chosen database (i.e. EBSCOhost, ProQuest).
Step 3
Read the chosen publications and make notes.
Critically analyse the sources – identify their weaknesses, strengths, limitations, gaps, etc.
Step 4
Check evidence and examples: do they logically support the main ideas? Is there sufficient evidence for
the claims that are made? Is there anything left out or does it have useful or challenging new insights?
Write the body of your literature review: compare and contrast data provided by various academic
sources. Evaluate the sources you have utilised.
Step 5
Write the conclusion of your literature review: summarise main points, synthetise and evaluate
reviewed data.
Useful terms:
Explain each area of similarity with examples: There is consensus/agreement…; The writers agree…;
Commonalities include… .
Explain each area of difference with examples: On the other hand…; While…; Despite…; However…;
Yet…; Nevertheless… .
You can find additional information by following the link below:
bit.ly/2aNgozQ