Dissertation Literature Review Guide
Dissertation Literature Review Guide
A literature review for your dissertation is a critical part of your academic writing process. It not only shows your understanding of the existing research but also identifies where your work will fit into the broader academic conversation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing your dissertation literature review.
1. Define the Scope and Purpose
Before beginning your literature review, clarify the scope of your review and its purpose. What is the research question you aim to answer, and how will the literature review contribute to this? Understanding the objective of your review will help you stay focused as you research and write.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Research
Use academic databases and library resources to gather peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and reports relevant to your topic. Look for both foundational and current research. Don’t forget to check the reference lists of key studies to find additional sources that might be relevant.
3. Organize and Analyze Your Sources
Once you have gathered your sources, organize them by themes, methodologies, or time periods. This will help you spot connections and trends in the literature. Critically analyze each source, considering its methodology, findings, and relevance to your dissertation.
4. Synthesize the Literature
Your literature review should synthesize the research rather than simply summarize individual studies. Highlight how different studies relate to each other and to your research question. Identify trends, gaps, contradictions, and areas where your research can contribute new insights.
5. Write the Review
Start by introducing the purpose of your literature review and its relevance to your dissertation. Then, divide the body of your review into clear sections, each covering a different theme or category. Conclude by summarizing the key findings, identifying gaps in the literature, and explaining how your dissertation will contribute to filling those gaps.
6. Cite Your Sources Correctly
Properly cite each source using the citation style required by your institution or field of study (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). Use citation management tools like Mendeley or Zotero to help keep your references organized and ensure accurate citations throughout your review.
By following this guide, you will produce a thorough, well-organized literature review that effectively supports your dissertation research and positions your work within the larger academic field.
