Literature Reviews - Research Guide

A literature review is a critical analysis of published texts, or literature, on a particular topic. The review should describe, summarise, evaluate, classify and compare this literature. A literature review gives an overview of:

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Why is a literature review important?

A literature review:

• Identifies areas of prior research to prevent duplication of effort
• Clarifies important definitions and terminology
• Examines each text’s contribution to knowledge of the topic
• Describes the relationship of each text to other texts
• Interprets previous research and resolves conflicts amongst previous studies
• Identifies knowledge gaps and identifies areas for further research
• Places your research in the context of the existing literature
• Creates a theoretical framework for your research
• Focuses your knowledge of the topic and aids the design of your research

What does a literature review demonstrate?

Your literature review should:

• Show that you understand the topic and why it is important
• Demonstrate your ability to access relevant and current literature in the field
• Demonstrate your ability to objectively evaluate research and highlight trends in the area
• Provide an overview of the topic with clear and justified links to your conclusion

These background resources will assist students beginning their literature review:

• Conducting research literature reviews : from the Internet to paper / Arlene Fink
• Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques / Jill K. Jesson
• The literature review : a step-by-step guide for students / Diana Ridley
• 7 steps to a comprehensive literature review: a multimodal & cultural approach / Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie and Rebecca Frels
• Doing a literature review in nursing, health and social care / Michael Coughlan, Patricia Cronin and Frances Ryan
• Health sciences literature review made easy: the matrix method / Judith Garrard

SAGE Research Methods (SRM) allows researchers to explore methods and concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their literature review and research, and write up their findings. Since SRM focuses on methodology, it can be used across  disciplines.

Researchers at Murdoch University are supported by the Library and the Research and Innovation Directorate.

Please contact your Subject Librarian to make an appointment for advice on conducting a literature review, formulating research strategies, and information about resources and tools specific to your area of research.