Thelen Memorial Library Find A-Z eResource List Databases Get Help Chat "How Do I..." Library Tutorials LibGuides Library Handbook Services How to Reserve a Study Room My Account/Interlibrary Loan Requests Writing Center About the Writing Center About APA Academic Writer Access APA Academic Writer About Tutor.com About Turnitin Originality About Biography of George and Sue Thelen Vision & Mission Contact Us Directions Collections and Resources Hours Library Log-In Divine Mercy UniversityLibGuidesOther GuidesConducting Literature ReviewsLiterature Review Basics Search this GuideSearch Conducting Literature Reviews: Literature Review Basics HomeLiterature Review BasicsTypes of Literature ReviewsSteps to Conducting a Literature ReviewToggle DropdownClarifying the Goal Choosing Databases and Literature Sources Developing Search Strategies Choosing What Literature to Use Applying Screening Techniques Doing the Review Documenting and Writing Up the Review ResourcesQuiz What Is a Literature Review and What It Is Not A literature review is a systematic overview that is used to identify, evaluate, and synthesize available literature on a topic, but is also used to identify gaps in the body of research and provide context for new research. A literature should also be able to be reproduced by others. A literature review is not a list of literature or a series of summaries that vaguely aligns with the topic. The literature should start with an overarching motivation for the research, followed by the placement of your work where it fits in the literature, and end with a synthesis of closely relevant studies and their findings. Purdue OWL: Writing a Literature ReviewWhat is a Literature Review? Why is a Literature Review Important? It is important to conduct a literature review for three reasons. First, it argues for your research providing the context for it. The question becomes as to why time or resources would need to be spent for your research, and this helps to answer that question. Having a background rationale for your study is important because it justifies the resources spent on reading, supporting, or engaging in your research. It is also important to establish your credibility. This is important to convince the reader or evaluator of the research that the rest of the study has also been carefully done, and helps to justify your claims you make later on in the research process. In this way it facilitates an appreciation and interpretation of results as well. Benefits of Conducting a Literature ReviewThe Importance of Literature Review in Scientific Research Writing << Previous: HomeNext: Types of Literature Reviews >>
A literature review is a systematic overview that is used to identify, evaluate, and synthesize available literature on a topic, but is also used to identify gaps in the body of research and provide context for new research. A literature should also be able to be reproduced by others. A literature review is not a list of literature or a series of summaries that vaguely aligns with the topic. The literature should start with an overarching motivation for the research, followed by the placement of your work where it fits in the literature, and end with a synthesis of closely relevant studies and their findings.
It is important to conduct a literature review for three reasons. First, it argues for your research providing the context for it. The question becomes as to why time or resources would need to be spent for your research, and this helps to answer that question. Having a background rationale for your study is important because it justifies the resources spent on reading, supporting, or engaging in your research. It is also important to establish your credibility. This is important to convince the reader or evaluator of the research that the rest of the study has also been carefully done, and helps to justify your claims you make later on in the research process. In this way it facilitates an appreciation and interpretation of results as well.
