Agila, Alliah Lorin
Binay, John Paul
Chavez, Nikka E.
Claveria, Beulah
Activity #2: How to Start a Paper
RES 111 I Methods of Research
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE IN WRITING REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Writing a literature review in the pre or post-qualification is required either as part of a course of
study, as a key step in the research process. A literature review can be just a simple summary of the
sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. It
demands a range of skills, such as learning how to define topics for exploration, acquiring skills of literature
searching and retrieval, developing the ability to analyze and synthesize data as well as becoming adept at
writing and reporting, often within a limited time scale. The aim of this paper is to present a step-by-step
approach to writing a literature review research paper to facilitate student and novice reviewer’s
understanding.
Body
What is Review of Literature?
A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes
information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. A literature review of a mature topic
addresses the need for a critique of, and the potential reconceptualization of, the expanding and more
diversified knowledge base of the topic as it continues to develop. The second kind of literature review
addresses new or emerging topics that would benefit from a holistic conceptualization and synthesis of the
literature. Because these topics are relatively new and have not yet undergone a comprehensive review of
the literature, the review is more likely to lead to an initial or preliminary conceptualization of the topic like a
new model or framework. The reasons for undertaking a literature review are numerous and include
eliciting information for developing policies and evidence-based care, a step in the research process and as
part of an academic assessment. To many qualified students faced with undertaking a literature review the
task appears daunting. Frequently-asked questions range from where to start, how to select a subject, and
how to write it.
So, we have listed a comprehensive guide in writing your Review of Related Literature.
Comprehensive Guide In Writing Review Of Related Literature
1. Identify the topic and scope of your paper
This will help you stay focused and act as a guide to search only the relevant literature. This will
also save your time searching and reading those articles that are really very important for you.
2. Search for relevant literature
When researching, do not overgeneralized your search at the same time. Choose right keywords that is
highly relevant to your topic and make sure that you do not miss out latest literature. You may use useful
websites or academic places to look for your relevant literature review. You can start with Google Scholar,
EBSCO, Medline, EconLit, ProQuest, and Open Access.
3. Have an overlook of the paper first to filter out relevant paper
Go through the abstract------ to methods, results, and discussion.
It is quite possible when you performed the literature search, you get hundreds of related articles
and it appears overwhelming to read them all. So rather than fully reading all the paper, you should select
articles, books, and studies that provide valuable insights on your research. You should take overlook of
the paper like go through the abstract first to find out relevance of the study. Then if you found it interesting,
you can take an overview of the whole paper like methods and outcomes of their study. You may use also
networking like going through the reference list in the articles to find more sources for your research.
3. Organize
Select the best most logical order to present your information and then create an outline for it.
Types of Literature Review
Integrative- critiques current literature so that new perspectives can be introduced
Chronological- arranged literature review by date to analyze the progression of something overtime
Thematic- literature is organized around main or recurring themes
Methodological- compare and contrast different methods being used
Theoretical- comparing and contrasting literature based on models and theories
5. Analyze and synthesize the literature
With the literature you have, try to collect similar information together. Analyze it to draw some
conclusions and synthesize a write up in your own words. Look for similarities, contradictions,
improvements in the methods while you read. Remember, Review of Related Literature is not about
copying everything that is known about the specific topic. Rather, it is a critical analysis of existing
literature, finding that is already known, pointing out the knowledge gaps to hypothesize and plan your own
research
6. Write the Literature Review
When writing your review of related literature, it is very important to know its parts: the introduction,
the body, and the conclusion.
Information needed in
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Also, it is very important to use clear and concise language to summarize and discuss the literature. Avoid
jargons and technical terms. Used also a transition or linking words for a better flow of your literature
review.
7. Go through the entire review
After you have finished writing your RRL, it is a must to read again your literature review to know
some grammatical errors that you have not notice while you are writing.
8. Cite your sources
Properly cite all sources using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). This includes both in-text
citations and a reference list or bibliography at the end of your literature review.
9. Seek feedbacks
Get feedback from peers, professors, or colleagues to ensure that your literature review is well-written and
effectively communicates your ideas
REFERENCES
Smart Student. (2021, March 15). LITERATURE REVIEW: Step by Step Guide for Writing an Effective
Literature Review [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
XploreBio. (2023, May 7). How to easily write a perfect literature review (step by step guide)? 12 powerful
tips. [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
Ramdhani, Abdullah & Ramdhani, Muhammad & Amin, Abdusy. (2014). Writing a Literature Review
Research Paper: A step-by-step approach. International Journal of Basic and Applied Science. 3. 47-56.