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.
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