Conducting a Literature Review

May 31, 2025

Conducting a Literature Review

A literature review is a critical examination of existing research related to your topic. It helps you identify gaps, establish context, and justify your study. A well-organized review strengthens your thesis and shows your understanding of your field.

Steps in Conducting a Literature Review

  • Define your scope: Identify key topics and questions to guide your search.
  • Search systematically: Use databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and institutional libraries.
  • Evaluate sources: Consider relevance, credibility, and publication date.
  • Organize findings: Group similar ideas and note gaps.
  • Synthesize: Show how the literature supports or challenges your research focus.

Writing the Review

Use clear, concise language and structure your review logically:

  • Start with an introduction to your topic and scope.
  • Group the literature into themes or debates.
  • Critically analyze—don’t just summarize.
  • Highlight where your research will contribute.

Common Challenges

  • Finding relevant and up-to-date sources.
  • Balancing your voice with the literature.
  • Staying organized and avoiding information overload.


Need Help with Your Literature Review?

At UTAFITI BORA, we help you conduct, organize, and write a literature review that demonstrates depth and relevance.

Contact us today to strengthen the foundation of your thesis.

Tags: literature reviewthesis writingacademic writingresearch reviewresearch synthesisscholarly sourcesresearch processacademic support
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