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Doing a literature review


This Advice Sheet introduces you to the basics of compiling a
Literature review.
What is a literature review?
• It is a critical and evaluative account of what has been
published on a chosen research topic.
• Its purpose is to summarise, synthesise and analyse the arguments of others.
(It is not an academic research paper, the main purpose of which is to support your own
argument.)
• You should describe and analyse the knowledge that exists and
what gaps occur in research related to your field of interest. (This
should clarify the relationship between your own research and the work
that has previously been done.)
• It should reveal similarities and differences, consistencies and
inconsistencies and controversies in previous research.