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Reviewing the Literature

Definition and scope

A narrative or traditional literature review is a comprehensive, critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on a topic. They are an essential part of the research process and help to establish a theoretical framework and focus or context for your research. A literature review will help you to identify patterns and trends in the literature so that you can identify gaps or inconsistencies in a body of knowledge. This should lead you to a sufficiently focused research question that justifies your research (Charles Sturt University Library. Traditional or Narrative Literature Reviews).

 

Why conduct a literature review?

 

A traditional literature review provides the reader with an overview and synthesis of what is generally known and/or accepted on a particular topic while also providing you with the opportunity to add your contribution(s), which may include:
 

  • identifying the most significant / compelling works on a specific topic or trend
     
  • evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the literature on a particular controversy, problem or trend in your field
     
  • providing your own answers to controversial topics
     
  • identifying gaps / new potential areas of research not yet tackled by your field

 

Synthesis Table / Matrix
 

A great way to manage all the findings in your research is to create a synthesis table, also known as a synthesis matrix.  Your table should be organized so that all your sources are represented, as well as the major themes that emerge during your analysis.
 

  • This process of creating your table will allow you to highlight the key findings from each source and then to see how they relate - both to each other and to your own ideas.  
     
  • Watch the Synthesis Tables video in the left-hand box to learn more.
     

 

 

 

 

 

Guidance & Resources

Online Guides
 

Charles Sturt University Library. Traditional or narrative literature reviews

Monash University.  The Process of Writing a Literature Review

OWL Purdue: Writing a Literature Review

 

Books
 

Garrard, Judith. Health sciences literature review made easy : the matrix method. [Print book.  Available at R 118.6 G274 2014, Lower-level, Coquitlam]

 

Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2009). The literature review : six steps to success. Corwin Press. [Print book.  Available at LB 1047.3 M235 2009, at both Coquitlam and New West campuses]
 

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