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• What is a Literature Review? | Guide, Template, & Examples

What is a Literature Review? | Guide, Template, & Examples

Published on 22 February 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 7 June 2022.

What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research.

There are five key steps to writing a literature review:

• Search for relevant literature
• Evaluate sources
• Identify themes, debates and gaps
• Outline the structure
• Write your literature review

A good literature review doesn’t just summarise sources – it analyses, synthesises, and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.

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Table of contents

Why write a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1: search for relevant literature, step 2: evaluate and select sources, step 3: identify themes, debates and gaps, step 4: outline your literature review’s structure, step 5: write your literature review, frequently asked questions about literature reviews, introduction.

• Quick Run-through
• Step 1 & 2

When you write a dissertation or thesis, you will have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:

• Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and scholarly context
• Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
• Position yourself in relation to other researchers and theorists
• Show how your dissertation addresses a gap or contributes to a debate

You might also have to write a literature review as a stand-alone assignment. In this case, the purpose is to evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of scholarly debates around a topic.

The content will look slightly different in each case, but the process of conducting a literature review follows the same steps. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.

• Example literature review #1: “Why Do People Migrate? A Review of the Theoretical Literature” ( Theoretical literature review about the development of economic migration theory from the 1950s to today.)
• Example literature review #2: “Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines” ( Methodological literature review about interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition and production.)
• Example literature review #3: “The Use of Technology in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Thematic literature review about the effects of technology on language acquisition.)
• Example literature review #4: “Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Chronological literature review about how the concept of listening skills has changed over time.)

You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.

Download Word doc Download Google doc

Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .

If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research objectives and questions .

If you are writing a literature review as a stand-alone assignment, you will have to choose a focus and develop a central question to direct your search. Unlike a dissertation research question, this question has to be answerable without collecting original data. You should be able to answer it based only on a review of existing publications.

Make a list of keywords

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research topic. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list if you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.

• Social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok
• Body image, self-perception, self-esteem, mental health
• Generation Z, teenagers, adolescents, youth

Search for relevant sources

Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some databases to search for journals and articles include:

• Your university’s library catalogue
• Google Scholar
• Project Muse (humanities and social sciences)
• Medline (life sciences and biomedicine)
• EconLit (economics)
• Inspec (physics, engineering and computer science)

You can use boolean operators to help narrow down your search:

Read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.

To identify the most important publications on your topic, take note of recurring citations. If the same authors, books or articles keep appearing in your reading, make sure to seek them out.

You probably won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on the topic – you’ll have to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your questions.

For each publication, ask yourself:

• What question or problem is the author addressing?
• What are the key concepts and how are they defined?
• What are the key theories, models and methods? Does the research use established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
• What are the results and conclusions of the study?
• How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
• How does the publication contribute to your understanding of the topic? What are its key insights and arguments?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible, and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.

You can find out how many times an article has been cited on Google Scholar – a high citation count means the article has been influential in the field, and should certainly be included in your literature review.

The scope of your review will depend on your topic and discipline: in the sciences you usually only review recent literature, but in the humanities you might take a long historical perspective (for example, to trace how a concept has changed in meaning over time).

Remember that you can use our template to summarise and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using!

Take notes and cite your sources

As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.

It’s important to keep track of your sources with references to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography, where you compile full reference information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.

You can use our free APA Reference Generator for quick, correct, consistent citations.

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To begin organising your literature review’s argument and structure, you need to understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:

• Trends and patterns (in theory, method or results): do certain approaches become more or less popular over time?
• Themes: what questions or concepts recur across the literature?
• Debates, conflicts and contradictions: where do sources disagree?
• Pivotal publications: are there any influential theories or studies that changed the direction of the field?
• Gaps: what is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that need to be addressed?

This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.

• Most research has focused on young women.
• There is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media.
• But there is still a lack of robust research on highly-visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat – this is a gap that you could address in your own research.

There are various approaches to organising the body of a literature review. You should have a rough idea of your strategy before you start writing.

Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).

Chronological

The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarising sources in order.

Try to analyse patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.

If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organise your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

Methodological

If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:

• Look at what results have emerged in qualitative versus quantitative research
• Discuss how the topic has been approached by empirical versus theoretical scholarship
• Divide the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources

Theoretical

A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.

You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.

Like any other academic text, your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.

The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.

If you are writing the literature review as part of your dissertation or thesis, reiterate your central problem or research question and give a brief summary of the scholarly context. You can emphasise the timeliness of the topic (“many recent studies have focused on the problem of x”) or highlight a gap in the literature (“while there has been much research on x, few researchers have taken y into consideration”).

Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.

As you write, make sure to follow these tips:

• Summarise and synthesise: give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole.
• Analyse and interpret: don’t just paraphrase other researchers – add your own interpretations, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole.
• Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources.
• Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transitions and topic sentences to draw connections, comparisons and contrasts.

In the conclusion, you should summarise the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasise their significance.

If the literature review is part of your dissertation or thesis, reiterate how your research addresses gaps and contributes new knowledge, or discuss how you have drawn on existing theories and methods to build a framework for your research. This can lead directly into your methodology section.

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a dissertation , thesis, research paper , or proposal .

There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:

• To familiarise yourself with the current state of knowledge on your topic
• To ensure that you’re not just repeating what others have already done
• To identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that your research can address
• To develop your theoretical framework and methodology
• To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic

Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.

The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your  dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. (2022, June 07). What is a Literature Review? | Guide, Template, & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 11 November 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/literature-review/

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Other students also liked, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, what is a theoretical framework | a step-by-step guide, what is a research methodology | steps & tips.

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Example structure of a Literature Review

Here is an example of how to structure a Literature Review of approximately 2,000 words:

Introduction (150-200 words)

The introduction should briefly introduce the topic of the literature review, outlining its relevance to your research question or thesis. Highlight the scope of the review, the key themes to be covered, and the rationale for including certain studies.

Example : ‘The role of creative pedagogy in performing arts education has garnered significant attention in recent years, with researchers exploring its impact on student engagement, creativity, and learning outcomes. This literature review aims to synthesise existing research on creative pedagogy within the context of performing arts education, focusing on studies conducted in primary and secondary school settings. The review will examine how different pedagogical approaches have been conceptualised and evaluated, highlighting areas of consensus and debate within the literature.’

Thematic organisation (1,400-1,500 words)

The body of the literature review should be organised thematically. Each theme or sub-topic should begin with a clear subheading. This section should not merely summarise studies but also compare and contrast them, showing where the literature agrees, disagrees, and where gaps exist.

Historical context and theoretical frameworks (300-400 words)

Start by discussing the historical development of the field and the theoretical frameworks that underpin research in performing arts education. This sets the stage for the subsequent analysis.

Example : ‘Early research on performing arts education, such as Dewey’s (1934) exploration of art as experience, laid the groundwork for understanding the educational potential of the arts. Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory has also influenced the field, particularly in studies that examine collaborative and experiential learning in the arts. More recent theoretical contributions include Gardner’s (1983) theory of multiple intelligences, which has been widely applied in studies on arts education, suggesting that the arts play a critical role in developing a diverse range of cognitive abilities.’

Here, it is essential to highlight both the agreements and critiques of these foundational theories within the literature. For example, while Gardner’s theory has been influential, some researchers have questioned its empirical basis and applicability to arts education.

Pedagogical approaches in performing arts education (500-600 words)

In this section, focus on different pedagogical strategies used in performing arts education, such as experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, and creative pedagogy. Compare how different studies define and assess these approaches.

Example : ‘Experiential learning, as advocated by Kolb (1984), has been widely embraced in performing arts education, with researchers like Eisner (2002) emphasising its importance in fostering creativity and critical thinking. Eisner argues that the arts provide unique opportunities for experiential learning, allowing students to engage in reflective practice. However, some studies, such as those by Pringle (2009), critique the over-reliance on experiential learning, arguing that it may not sufficiently address the cognitive challenges students face in mastering technical skills.’

When synthesising this information, consider how the literature converges or diverges on key issues. For example, you could discuss how Eisner and Pringle’s perspectives differ on the role of experiential learning and suggest areas for future research.

Impact of performing arts education on student outcomes (500-600 words)

This section should examine the evidence on the outcomes of performing arts education, including cognitive, emotional, and social development. Discuss the methodologies used in these studies and the strength of their findings.

Example : ‘Research on the impact of performing arts education on student outcomes shows mixed results. Some studies, such as those by Winner and Hetland (2000), suggest that arts education significantly enhances students’ cognitive abilities, particularly in areas like spatial reasoning and creativity. However, a meta-analysis by Moga et al. (2000) challenges these findings, arguing that the effects of arts education on cognitive development are modest at best. These conflicting results highlight the need for further research using more rigorous experimental designs to clarify the impact of arts education on cognitive outcomes.’

Synthesise the findings by discussing potential reasons for the discrepancies in the literature. For example, you might explore differences in research design, sample size, or the operationalisation of key constructs.

Gaps in the Literature and Future Directions (200-300 words)

Identify gaps in the existing literature and suggest areas where further research is needed. This section should flow naturally from the preceding analysis and synthesis.

Example : ‘While the literature on performing arts education has provided valuable insights into various pedagogical approaches and their outcomes, several gaps remain. For instance, there is a lack of longitudinal studies that track the long-term impact of arts education on students’ academic and personal development. Additionally, more research is needed to explore the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts.’

Summary (150-200 words)

Summarise the key findings of the literature review, reiterating the main points of agreement and disagreement in the literature. Discuss how this review has informed your research question and how it will guide your methodology.

Example : ‘This literature review has highlighted both the potential and the limitations of various pedagogical approaches in performing arts education. While there is general consensus on the value of experiential learning and creative pedagogy, there is less agreement on the cognitive benefits of arts education, with findings varying significantly across studies. These insights will inform the design of my research, particularly in terms of selecting appropriate pedagogical frameworks and addressing the identified gaps in the literature.

My research question is […]. I will use the following methodology to answer my research question […].’

Dewey, J. (1934)  Art as Experience . New York: Minton, Balch & Company.

Eisner, E. W. (2002)  The Arts and the Creation of Mind . New Haven: Yale University Press.

Gardner, H. (1983)  Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences . New York: Basic Books.

Kolb, D. A. (1984)  Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development . Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Moga, E., Burger, K., Hetland, L. and Winner, E. (2000) ‘Does Studying the Arts Engender Creative Thinking? Evidence for Near but Not Far Transfer’,  Journal of Aesthetic Education , 34(3/4), pp. 91-104.

Pringle, E. (2009) ‘The Artist as Educator: Examining Relationships between Art Practice and Pedagogy in the Gallery Context’,  Studies in Art Education , 50(1), pp. 67-83.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978)  Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Winner, E. and Hetland, L. (2000) ‘The Arts and Academic Achievement: What the Evidence Shows’,  Journal of Aesthetic Education , 34(3/4), pp. 11-75.

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Literature Review Example/Sample

In this video, we walk you through an A-grade literature review from a dissertation that earned full distinction . We start off by discussing the five core sections of a literature review chapter by unpacking our free literature review template . This includes:

• The literature review opening/ introduction section
• The theoretical framework (or foundation of theory)
• The empirical research
• The research gap
• The closing section

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Literature Review Example

Literature review example: frequently asked questions, is the sample literature review real.

Yes. The literature review example is an extract from a Master’s-level dissertation for an MBA program. It has not been edited in any way.

Can I replicate this literature review for my dissertation?

As we discuss in the video, every literature review will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your literature review to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a literature review here .

Where can I find more examples of literature reviews?

The best place to find more examples of literature review chapters would be within dissertation/thesis databases. These databases include dissertations, theses and research projects that have successfully passed the assessment criteria for the respective university, meaning that you have at least some sort of quality assurance. 

The Open Access Thesis Database (OATD) is a good starting point. 

How do I get the literature review template?

You can access our free literature review chapter template here .

Is the template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the template and you are free to use it as you wish. 

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Literature Review Guide: Examples of Literature Reviews

• What is a Literature Review?
• How to start?
• Picking your research question and searching
• Search strategies and Databases
• How to organise the review
• Examples of Literature Reviews
• Library summary

All good quality journal articles will include a small Literature Review after the Introduction paragraph.  It may not be called a Literature Review but gives you an idea of how one is created in miniature.

Sample Literature Reviews as part of a articles or Theses

• Hackett, G and Melia, D . The hotel as the holiday/stay destination:trends and innovations. Presented at TRIC Conference, Belfast, Ireland- June 2012 and EuroCHRIE Conference

Links to sample Literature Reviews from other libraries

• Sample literature reviews from University of West Florida

Irish Theses

• Phillips, Martin (2015) European airline performance: a data envelopment analysis with extrapolations based on model outputs. Master of Business Studies thesis, Dublin City University.
• The customers’ perception of servicescape’s influence on their behaviours, in the food retail industry : Dublin Business School 2015
• Coughlan, Ray (2015) What was the role of leadership in the transformation of a failing Irish Insurance business. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
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• Next: Library summary >>
• Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 3:37 PM
• URL: https://ait.libguides.com/literaturereview

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Literature Review: Conducting & Writing

• Sample Literature Reviews
• Steps for Conducting a Lit Review
• Finding "The Literature"
• Organizing/Writing
• APA Style This link opens in a new window
• Chicago: Notes Bibliography This link opens in a new window
• MLA Style This link opens in a new window

Sample Lit Reviews from Communication Arts

Have an exemplary literature review.

Note: These are sample literature reviews from a class that were given to us by an instructor when APA 6th edition was still in effect. These were excellent papers from her class, but it does not mean they are perfect or contain no errors. Thanks to the students who let us post!

• Literature Review Sample 1
• Literature Review Sample 2
• Literature Review Sample 3

Have you written a stellar literature review you care to share for teaching purposes?

Are you an instructor who has received an exemplary literature review and have permission from the student to post?

Please contact Britt McGowan at [email protected] for inclusion in this guide. All disciplines welcome and encouraged.

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• Next: Get Help! >>
• Last Updated: Oct 18, 2024 9:43 AM
• URL: https://libguides.uwf.edu/litreview