How to Write a Literature Review
admin February 4th, 2009
A dissertation literature review is an investigation of the research, which has been done in a certain area of study. A dissertation literature review is the selection of obtainable documents (both unpublished and published) on the subject containing information, ideas, evidence, and data. It is written from a certain point of view to fulfill particular aims or express particular views on the topic’s nature and the way it will be investigated. Also, a dissertation literature review is the effective assessment of these papers related to the research proposed.
The aim of a literature review:
1) to show your scholarly capability to recognize relevant information and outline obtainable knowledge;
2) to recognize the gap in your research, which your study is trying to address, placing your dissertation in the context of preceding research and writing a research room for your work;
3) to assess and synthesize the material in line with the ideas, which you have established yourself for your research;
4) to produce a justification or rationale for your study.
At first, you may read generally on the subject to enrich your comprehension of the area. This is helpful for refining your subject and setting the perspective your researching will take. Also, it may enable you to define how your research enhances or extends the studies already done.
Keep in mind that your literature review should relate to and elucidate your research questions. Though there may be numerous sources of information appearing pertinent, when you have some question, you will refine and reduce your reading scope.