What is a Literature Review?
A literature review seeks to examine and evaluate the key points of a body of work(s). It also looks at the different theories and concepts that have been presented, to check their validity or how they have changed. A literature review is especially popular in the science and humanities fields.
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Significance
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A literature review provides an analysis and discussion of a body of information (facts and data) within a particular focus. This can include knowledge that was published by a certain group of people, on a certain matter, within a certain time frame. It can act as a synopsis of a source or collection of sources. A literature review highlights the most relevant points and informs the reader in relation to its accuracy and applicability. Every high-quality study and writing tends to have a literature review. For example, if we wanted to critique a literary review on "The Importance of Exercise for Individuals Who Suffer From Depression," we would look into the following:
-Is the information current?
-Was the data obtained from reputable sources?
-Was all of the information presented, relevant to the main point (thesis)?
-Were the findings clearly illustrated in the results?
Function
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A literature review is also used to show whether or not a research inquiry has already been solved or addressed. In that case, one may then look at the findings to gauge the validity of the work and its current standing. Perhaps it was written a number of years ago and more information has since been brought to light. A person may take that literature review and discuss the role of the new findings and statistics. They can apply it to the previous one to see any changes that occur. Their new literature review would contain new theories and speculations, that in time will be reexamined or challenged. It's a vital part of the research process because it maps out the development and evolution of ideas within a field.
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Features
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A literature review draws from the principal and original records of a study or knowledge. According to Cooper (1998) "The types of scholarship may be empirical, theoretical, critical/analytic, or methodological in nature. Second a literature review seeks to describe, summarize, evaluate, clarify and/or integrate the content of primary reports." A literature review is made up of two different elements. The first is the definite literature search and the second is the writing of the review itself.
Types
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Regardless of what method is used during the examination phase, the intention of a literature review remains the same; it's the fundamental test of the investigative subject alongside the information that's already acknowledged on the topic. It should contain up to date and pertinent sources with a uniform referencing mode and a neutral and inclusive inspection of the research that was done prior on the subject matter. The information will vary, depending on the field that the literature review is in. It can address anything from a group of scholarly articles on the most effective treatments for different disorders, to a collection of authors that were in a specific anthology. The word "literature" in this case, is not limited to poetry, prose, memoirs and books.
Expert Insight
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When looking for a literature review, it's important to keep your search focused so that you can obtain the most specific information. It's better to start with a narrow approach as opposed to a broad one, which can leave you overwhelmed and inundated with a surplus of information. Be target specific and explore different databases. Chances are that you will become familiar with different authors and publications that are considered to be the best in the field.
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Comments
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Good source of information on Literature Review.
