Dissertation Masterclass - How to Write a Literature Review for a Dissertation

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Module 4, Chapter 2 - Literature Review: How to Write a Literature Review Chapter for a Dissertation.

A literature review for a dissertation gives a critical analysis of the sources or literature you have acquired and read on your topic and then identifies a “gap” in that literature that your research will aim to fill. In this module, we’ll help you turn your literature review from a scary task full of confusion into a focused writing project with a clear goal, and we’ll show you how to write one. You will learn how to make research questions for a literature review, as well as how to collect and analyze data and write your paper. You should finish the course with a good paper outline. You will be guided through the full procedure, and I will demonstrate the method we suggest most for completing this task. In each guided writing session, a component of writing the literature review is broken down into manageable steps. We help you understand what you are supposed to write and show you how to find, organize, analyze, and put together all the information you need. We also help you learn how to control your attitude so that you don’t have limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, or feelings of being alone, which a lot of doctoral authors do. In the end, you will learn how to write a literature review that gives your critical analysis of the literature and explains why your study is important. Therefore, folks, grab your coffee, sit back, and learn how to write the perfect literature review chapter for your dissertation.

Section in this module:

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Identify Relevant Publications
4.3 Evaluating the sources
4.4 Identifying Gaps
4.4.1 Begin by Reading
4.4.2 Abstracts and Recommendations
4.4.3 Outlining the Structure of the Literature Review
4.4.4 Chronological Structure
4.4.5 Thematic Structure
4.4.6 Methodological Structure
4.4.7 Theoretical Structure
4.5 Writing the Literature Review
4.5.1 Using Sample Reviews
4.5.2 Keeping the Literature Review Simple
4.5.3 Using Recent Sources
4.5.4 Consider How to Arrange Your Work

Let's Get Started...

4.1 Introduction

A literature review evaluates sources, publications, and materials on a particular study topic. A literature review summarizes the current findings in a field of study. It allows you to point out the present study’s most important ideologies, methodologies, and missing information. The literature review offers an essential evaluation of your identified literature, some of which could be contrary to your argument. The specific components of a dissertation’s literature review may vary based on the institution’s requirements. In some cases, the literature review can be presented as a simple overview of the significant publications, requiring you to critique the summary of their work while giving your thoughts. What are some of the questions you need to consider when writing the literature review of your dissertation?

What did you understand from each of the materials?
How did you interpret the information revealed in this literature?
Did your viewpoint differ significantly from what is revealed in the literature?

A literature review is expected to go beyond a detailed summary of the findings of the sources you identified. It is expected to be a critical engagement with the information revealed in the publication. A literature review should also provide a vital structure of the growth a particular field of study has experienced throughout the research. In other cases, the literature review may include examining the materials, guiding their relevance and validity in their research. The literature review helps convince the reader that the field of study in your dissertation is relevant and justified. When writing the literature review chapter of your dissertation, you should consider the following basic steps:

Identify the relevant publications.
Evaluating the sources of literature
Identifying gaps and missing literature
Outlining the structure of the literature review
Writing the literature review.

4.2 Identify Relevant Publications

While writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you are expected to search for materials related to your research problem. The research problem helps you understand the materials you would like to review. Also, you should ensure a balance in the materials sorted for the review. There should be a suitable combination of books, journals, and any other kind of publication from a reputable source. The aims and objectives of the research are used to narrow down the necessary materials to include in the literature review. While searching for the relevant resources to use in the literature review, you may consider answering the following questions:

What are you anticipating discovering?
What are the conceptual concerns you aim to handle?
Based on your methodology, will you choose qualitative or quantitative sources?

These questions will help to narrow down and identify the most relevant sources to use in your study. It is easy to locate suitable sources to consider by examining the abstracts. You are expected to be keen to review the abstract and note the keywords. This will help determine whether the sources will be necessary and worthwhile to study. Since the internet gives you a wide range of sources, it is essential to ensure that you keep a list of the materials searched to avoid confusion and repetition. You can also use referencing tools that help keep a record of your sources and keep the references arranged appropriately.

4.3 Evaluating the sources

After carefully organizing the publications, the next step is to evaluate the sources by reading them. While writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, it is crucial to read through the selected sources to get a feel of what the sources entail. You can effectively read the literature in the references by taking a critical approach while reading the sources. At this stage, you may be required to take notes and jot down any questions arising from the study. Some of the questions you should answer at this stage include:

What is your academic viewpoint on the literature revealed in the publications?
What is your opinion on the methodology used for each research?
What is your viewpoint on the theoretical arguments discussed in the research?
What are your comments on the general hypothesis informing the study?

TIP: Answering these questions will ensure that the literature review you conduct is more than a mere summary of the publications but a critical analysis. It will also promote a precise line of thought to present the dissertation as logical and coherent.

4.4 Identifying Gaps

When writing the literature review chapter of our dissertation, it is essential to identify the gaps in the study. Every gap identified is vital as it informs the areas that require further research. When writing the primary dissertation, it is crucial to have the research problem identified as a gap or missing literature warranting the study. In other cases, the gap identified may not be directly linked to the research problem but may indicate excellent critical evaluation. A research gap is defined as a viewpoint or problem that may have yet to be answered in the prior literature documented in that field of study.

Locating a research gap is crucial for emphasizing the originality of your study. It further reveals the extent of research and work that you have put into your review because it shows that you are well-informed about the state of the literature in the preferred field of research. Finding research gaps in the field of study can be very challenging for most individuals, notably those in post-graduate study. Recognizing research gaps and developing research questions that can fill them constitute the very core of your research paper. There are various approaches to overcoming this challenge, and recognizing research gaps does not need to be a challenging endeavor. What are these approaches including?

Begin with extensive reading.
Take note of the abstracts and recommendations

4.4.1 Begin by Reading

Reading significant passages from relevant publications in the study field is straightforward. Initially, be aware that finding the materials most suited for your research will require you to sort through many of them. You can frequently get a fast summary of the existing literature by conducting a short scan on Google Scholar utilizing keywords. Databases like JSTOR or Wiley Online Library are some additional helpful resources. By selecting “similar publications” or looking for other publications that have mentioned your source, you can subsequently generate more articles.

4.4.2 Abstracts and Recommendations

Regardless of your dissertation topic, reading the abstract is frequently an excellent place to begin to understand the publications’ concerns. Moreover, you can quickly scan the introduction and conclusion of the report because they typically include some details on the objectives and findings of the study as well as suggestions for further investigations. The suggestions usually address the research gaps in the research.

4.4.3 Outlining the Structure of the Literature Review

When writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you can employ different approaches in attempt to outline the structure. Based on the literature review length, you can use more than one structure. For instance, while the general structure of the dissertation could be thematic, the study’s main goal could be outlined in a chronological format. Some of the standard designs that can be considered when writing the literature review of any dissertation include the following:

Chronological structure
Thematic structure
Methodological structure
Theoretical structure

4.4.4 Chronological Structure

The chronological structure of a dissertation entails tracing the growth of the topic of interest over time. While employing this technique, you should avoid simply listing the researched publications and conducting a summary. Instead, after arranging the materials in a chronological structure, you can evaluate the patterns, the turning point of the study, and the fundamental arguments that have been represented in the field of study. You can also interpret why and how the changes in the topic happened.

4.4.5 Thematic Structure

Thematic structure entails arranging the literature review based on publications with similar themes. You can organize the literature review to have sections addressing various aspects of the research topic. For instance, if you are conducting a literature review regarding discrimination on immigrants against the free medical acquisition, the main themes of the study could include healthcare policies, ethical differences, financial constraints, and language barriers.

4.4.6 Methodological Structure

The methodological structure is mainly used when you draw your literature review materials from diverse disciplines incorporating more than one research method. The methodological design helps you to compare the outcomes of the studies stemming from different methodologies. For instance, you can:

Examine the various results emerging from the qualitative research and compare them with results emerging from quantitative analysis done on the same topic of study.
Examine the results of research conducted through the empirical methodology compared to the conceptual approach.
Arrange the publications of interest into sociological, historical, and cultural approaches.

4.4.7 Theoretical Structure

In many cases, the literature review serves as the background of a theoretical approach. The literature review can be used to discuss different theories, models, and explanations of various fundamental ideologies. You can support or oppose a particular theoretical description or use several theoretical ideas to strengthen the foundation of their study.

4.5 Writing the Literature Review

While writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you are expected to write your paper simply and easily. Now that you have gathered the necessary material and done a critical analysis of the literature, it is vital to consider the following points when preparing to write your literature review:

Consider other documented literature reviews to use as samples.
Keep the literature review chapter simple.
Ensure that the publications used in writing the review are recent.
Consider how to arrange your work. Which publications should come first in the review and why?

4.5.1 Using Sample Reviews

When writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you can consider looking at other dissertation literature review samples in your field of study. This will help you develop an awareness of the current findings in that field and the arguments raised by various scholars over time. In doing so, you will learn how to structure your literature review. Also, samples will give you an idea of what is expected while writing your review. While looking at the samples, you should observe the academic language used and the formal organization of the work.

4.5.2 Keeping the Literature Review Simple

While writing the literature review chapter of their dissertation, you can always choose simplicity. The topic of study should be as simplified as possible. The wide range of sources documented in past researchers can present a wide variety of opinions that may cause you to lose focus on your topic of interest. In many cases, when you are tasked with conducting research on a specific topic, you can choose diverse ways to approach it and may even use different publications to inform your dissertations based on their argument. While writing the literature review, you will only be expected to include some of the opinions documented by different scholars. Also, you should keep your literature review simple by first determining the scope of your work and adhering to it. By clearly stating the focus of the dissertation, you will be allowed to delve into ideas and concepts presented in the different publications at your disposal.

4.5.3 Using Recent Sources

While writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you are expected to ensure that the publications used are as recent as possible. In cases where the primary dissertation heavily depends on scientific concepts, the sources informing the work must be current. Scientific concepts keep changing and getting refined rapidly due to the development of technologies that test theories and affirm facts. For instance, research is quickly evolving in healthcare and nursing, and publication as old as four years could be out of sync with recent discoveries. However, in other fields like social science, many of the publications are theoretical and may require you to be aware of the viewpoints established by sociologists in the past years. Nonetheless, it is still important to balance academic findings and the current state of things in the field of study.

4.5.4 Consider How to Arrange Your Work

While writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation, you should consider how you would like to organize your work. Arranging the literature review goes beyond having the essential elements of the paper, which include the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. It includes learning to organize themes and theories and presenting your viewpoint. What should you consider developing a well-arranged literature review for your dissertation?

Brood upon the general structure
Think about the structure of the body.

After settling on the method and structure you will employ in writing your literature review, you can now write the paragraphs according to academic standards. For example, the section below is derived from a literature review on the management of the environment.

“Despite the rhetoric and the concerns that have been expressed, there have been few attempts to investigate the validity of the many claims that have been made for stakeholder participation (Webler, 1999; Beierle, 2002; Brody, 2003; Blackstock et al., 2007). The few attempts that have been made have tended to focus on evaluating the process rather than the outcomes (e.g., Beierle, 2002; Renn et al., 1995; Rowe and Frewer, 2000). This may be partly due to the challenge of selecting appropriate evaluation criteria and data collection methods. Blackstock et al., 2007 argue that the evaluation of participatory processes should itself be participatory, with stakeholders selecting and applying the evaluation criteria. However, this is not straightforward. Webler and Tuler (2006) found strong differences of opinion between participants that they selected from ten case studies about what constituted a “good” participatory process. (Source: Reed, M.S., 2008. Stakeholder participation for environmental management: a literature review. Biological Conservation, 141(10), pp.2417-2431).”

As shown in the example, the literature review of a dissertation is organized in an academic and conventionally accepted structure. As indicated, the publications have been arranged based on the themes presented. Therefore, you should ensure that your writing is precise and concise in that it does not have more individual opinions that are not supported by evidence. If the dissertation is restricted to peer-reviewed journals, you can explore the articles in the samples to get an idea of the writing style used.

The most recent discoveries in a subject of study are compiled in a literature review. You can identify the most significant beliefs, techniques, and information gaps in the current study. The materials you identify are evaluated in the literature review, some of which may be at odds with your thought pattern. Depending on the requirements of the institution, the specific elements of a dissertation’s literature review may change. In other circumstances, the literature review can be delivered as a summary of the important publications, and you will be expected to comment on the publications while expressing your opinions.

How to Write the Literature Review Chapter for a Dissertation or Thesis

The literature review chapter is a critical component of a dissertation or thesis, providing an overview of existing research and setting the stage for your own study. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the purpose, structure, key steps, and common mistakes when writing the literature review chapter for a dissertation or thesis.

What is the purpose of a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter?

The purpose of a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research and scholarly works related to the topic of your study. It serves several important purposes:

Establishing the context: The literature review chapter helps to situate your research within the broader academic discourse. By reviewing relevant studies, theories, and concepts, you demonstrate your understanding of the field and show the significance of your research question.
Identifying research gaps: Through a thorough examination of existing literature, you can identify gaps, inconsistencies, or unanswered questions in previous research. This allows you to justify the need for your own study and explain how it will contribute to filling those gaps.
Supporting your research methodology: The literature review chapter helps you choose and justify your research methodology by highlighting previous studies that have used similar or related methods. It also enables you to identify potential challenges or limitations based on the existing body of knowledge.
Building a theoretical framework: By reviewing relevant theories and conceptual frameworks, you can develop a solid theoretical foundation for your study. This framework informs your research design, data collection, and analysis, ensuring coherence and consistency in your work.
Demonstrating critical analysis skills: The literature review chapter provides an opportunity to critically analyze and evaluate the quality, validity, and reliability of previous research. This demonstrates your ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing studies and contributes to the overall credibility of your own research.

In summary, the literature review chapter plays a crucial role in establishing the scholarly context, justifying the research significance, guiding the research methodology, building a theoretical framework, and demonstrating critical analysis skills in your dissertation or thesis.

How to structure a dissertation or thesis Literature Review chapter

Structuring a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter is essential to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical progression of ideas. Here is a recommended structure for your literature review chapter:

Introduction:
- Begin with an opening paragraph that provides an overview of the purpose of the literature review and its significance within your research.
- Clearly state your research objectives or questions and explain how the literature review chapter will address them.
- Provide a roadmap of the topics or themes that will be covered in the chapter.
Background or Contextual Information:
- Start by providing background information on the general topic or subject area under investigation.
- Describe the scope and boundaries of your literature review, including any specific time periods, geographical locations, or disciplinary perspectives.
- Highlight the key concepts, theories, or frameworks that are relevant to your research.
Organizational Structure:
- Clearly outline the structure or organization of your literature review chapter.
- You can use subheadings to categorize the literature based on themes, theories, methodologies, or any other relevant criteria.
- Discuss the rationale behind your chosen organizational structure and explain how it helps to address your research objectives.
Main Body:
- In each section or subsection, provide a summary and critical analysis of the relevant literature.
- Summarize the key findings, arguments, or theories presented in each source, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to the field.
- Identify any gaps, contradictions, or areas of controversy in the existing literature.
- Analyze the relationships and connections between different sources, noting any trends, patterns, or conflicting viewpoints.
Synthesis and Integration:
- Synthesize the information from different sources to develop coherent and well-supported arguments.
- Identify common themes, concepts, or theoretical frameworks that emerge from the literature.
- Discuss how the literature relates to your research questions or hypotheses.
- Highlight any theoretical or methodological frameworks that will guide your research.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the main findings and contributions of the literature review.
- Discuss the implications of the literature for your research and its potential impact on your study.
- Identify any gaps or areas for further research that have emerged from the literature review.

Remember to maintain a logical flow of ideas, use clear and concise language, and properly cite all sources following the appropriate citation style. By structuring your literature review chapter in a systematic and organized manner, you will present a compelling and well-supported review of the existing literature in your field.

Taxonomy of Literature Review chapter for a dissertation or thesis

When structuring the literature review chapter for a dissertation or thesis, it can be helpful to consider a taxonomy or framework that organizes the literature based on certain criteria. Here is a suggested taxonomy that can guide the organization of your literature review:

Chronological Approach:
- This taxonomy arranges the literature based on the timeline of publication. It allows you to trace the historical development of ideas, theories, and research in your field. Start with the earliest relevant studies and progress towards the most recent ones, showing how research has evolved over time.
Thematic Approach:
- The thematic taxonomy categorizes the literature based on specific themes or topics that emerge from the research. Identify key themes or concepts related to your research question and group the literature accordingly. Each theme can have its own subsection, where you discuss relevant studies and their contributions to that particular theme.
Theoretical Framework Approach:
- This taxonomy organizes the literature based on theoretical frameworks or perspectives that underpin the research. Identify and discuss different theoretical approaches or models relevant to your study. Examine how researchers have applied these frameworks in their studies and evaluate their contributions to the field.
Methodological Approach:
- The methodological taxonomy categorizes the literature based on research methods or approaches used in the studies. Identify different research methodologies employed by researchers in your field and discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach. Examine how these methodologies have contributed to knowledge and understanding in your research area.
Geographical Approach:
- If your research involves a specific geographic location or focuses on comparative studies across different regions, you can use a geographical taxonomy. Organize the literature based on different geographic regions or countries and discuss the research conducted in each location. Analyze any regional variations, similarities, or unique factors that influence the research in those areas.
Disciplinary Approach:
- In some cases, it may be relevant to organize the literature based on disciplinary perspectives. If your research spans multiple disciplines or if there are distinct disciplinary perspectives in your field, you can use a disciplinary taxonomy. Discuss the literature from each discipline separately, highlighting the unique contributions and approaches of each discipline.

Remember that these taxonomies are not mutually exclusive, and you can combine or adapt them based on the requirements of your research. Choose the taxonomy that best suits your research objectives and helps you effectively organize and present the literature relevant to your dissertation or thesis topic.

Key steps to writing a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter

Writing a comprehensive and effective literature review chapter for a dissertation or thesis requires careful planning and systematic execution. Here are some key steps to follow:

Define the Scope and Objectives:
- Clarify the scope of your literature review by clearly defining the research question or objective it aims to address.
- Determine the specific criteria for selecting relevant sources, such as publication dates, geographical focus, or disciplinary boundaries.
Conduct a Systematic Search:
- Use academic databases, libraries, and other relevant resources to identify scholarly sources that are directly related to your research question.
- Employ systematic search strategies, including keyword combinations, Boolean operators, and citation tracking, to ensure a comprehensive search.
Evaluate and Select Sources:
- Critically assess the identified sources to determine their relevance, credibility, and quality.
- Consider factors such as the author’s credentials, the publication’s reputation, and the validity of the research methods used.
- Select sources that provide diverse perspectives, key theoretical frameworks, and up-to-date information.
Read and Analyze the Selected Sources:
- Read the selected sources thoroughly to gain a deep understanding of the content and arguments presented.
- Take detailed notes, highlighting key findings, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks used in each source.
- Identify common themes, gaps, controversies, or areas of agreement among the sources.
Organize the Literature:
- Determine a logical and coherent organizational structure for your literature review chapter based on the selected taxonomy or framework.
- Create headings or subheadings that represent the main themes or categories you have identified.
- Group the sources under each heading, synthesizing the information and identifying connections or relationships between them.
Write the Literature Review:
- Begin with an engaging introduction that provides an overview of the literature review’s purpose and the main themes it will cover.
- Develop each section or subsection by discussing the relevant sources, summarizing their key findings, and critically analyzing their contributions to the field.
- Highlight any gaps, contradictions, or limitations in the existing literature and explain how your research will address these gaps.
Ensure Coherence and Flow:
- Maintain a logical flow of ideas throughout the literature review chapter, ensuring that each paragraph and section connects smoothly to the next.
- Use transitional phrases and clear signposts to guide readers through the different themes or sections.
- Provide synthesis and integration of the literature, emphasizing how each source contributes to the overall understanding of the research question.
Revise and Edit:
- Review your literature review chapter critically, checking for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.
- Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
- Seek feedback from peers, advisors, or professors to ensure the quality and effectiveness of your literature review.

By following these key steps, you can create a well-structured and insightful literature review chapter that demonstrates your understanding of the existing research and sets the foundation for your own study.

How to Conduct a Literature Review for a Dissertation or Thesis

Conducting a literature review for a dissertation or thesis is a critical process that involves systematic exploration and analysis of relevant academic sources. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a literature review:

Define the Research Question:
- Clearly define the research question or objective of your dissertation or thesis. This will guide your literature review and help you focus on the relevant literature.
Identify Keywords and Search Terms:
- Identify key terms and concepts related to your research question. These will be used to search for relevant literature.
- Brainstorm synonyms, related terms, and variations to ensure a comprehensive search.
Select Relevant Databases and Resources:
- Choose appropriate academic databases, libraries, and online resources that are relevant to your field of study.
- Consider disciplinary databases, such as PubMed for medical research or JSTOR for social sciences and humanities.
Conduct a Systematic Search:
- Use the identified keywords and search terms to conduct a systematic search across selected databases and resources.
- Utilize advanced search options, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), and truncation symbols (*) to refine your search results.
Screen and Evaluate Sources:
- Review the search results and screen the titles and abstracts of the articles, books, or other sources.
- Assess the relevance, quality, and credibility of each source. Consider factors such as the author’s expertise, publication reputation, and methodology.
Read and Analyze Selected Sources:
- Read the full-text of the selected sources, taking detailed notes and highlighting key findings, arguments, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks.
- Identify common themes, patterns, or gaps in the literature.
Organize the Literature:
- Determine a logical organization for your literature review based on themes, chronology, theoretical frameworks, or other relevant factors.
- Create headings or subheadings to group the sources based on these categories.
Synthesize and Analyze:
- Analyze the information gathered from the selected sources and synthesize the findings to address your research question.
- Compare and contrast different perspectives, methodologies, and conclusions presented in the literature.
Identify Gaps and Controversies:
- Identify gaps or areas where further research is needed. Highlight any contradictions, inconsistencies, or controversies in the literature.
Write the Literature Review:
- Structure your literature review chapter according to the identified organization and themes.
- Provide a clear and concise introduction that outlines the purpose and scope of the literature review.
- Develop each section with a synthesis of the literature, highlighting the main findings, discussions, and gaps.
- Use citations to support your analysis and provide a comprehensive reference list.
Revise and Edit:
- Review your literature review critically, ensuring coherence, clarity, and logical flow of ideas.
- Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
- Seek feedback from advisors, professors, or peers to improve the quality and effectiveness of your literature review.

By following these steps, you can conduct a thorough and well-structured literature review that lays the foundation for your dissertation or thesis research, demonstrates your knowledge of the existing literature, and highlights the significance of your study.

What Types of Information Should You Include in Your Dissertation or Thesis Literature Review Chapter?

When writing a literature review chapter for your dissertation or thesis, it is important to include several key types of information. Here are the types of information that should be included in your literature review:

Overview of the Research Area:
- Provide a brief introduction to the research area or topic you are investigating. Explain the relevance and significance of the research area in the broader field.
Theoretical Frameworks:
- Discuss the theoretical frameworks or models that underpin your research. Explain the concepts, theories, or perspectives that inform your study and connect it to existing scholarship.
Previous Research:
- Summarize the key findings, methodologies, and conclusions of previous studies related to your research topic. Highlight the main themes, debates, or controversies in the literature.
Gaps and Limitations:
- Identify gaps or limitations in the existing literature that your research aims to address. Explain how your study fills these gaps or contributes to the field.
Methodologies and Approaches:
- Describe the research methodologies and approaches used in previous studies. Discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to your own research.
Relevant Concepts and Variables:
- Define and explain the relevant concepts, variables, or constructs used in the literature. Clarify how these concepts are defined and measured by different researchers.
Data Sources and Samples:
- Discuss the sources of data used in previous studies and the characteristics of the samples or populations studied. Evaluate the adequacy and representativeness of the data sources.
Key Debates or Controversies:
- Identify any ongoing debates or controversies in the literature. Present different perspectives, theories, or interpretations of the research area.
Synthesis and Integration:
- Synthesize the information from different studies and integrate the findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research area. Identify common trends, patterns, or inconsistencies in the literature.
Future Directions:
- Discuss potential avenues for future research based on the gaps and limitations identified in the literature. Propose research questions or hypotheses that can be addressed in your own study.

By including these types of information in your literature review chapter, you demonstrate your understanding of the existing literature, establish the context for your research, and provide a solid foundation for your own study.

Quantitative Literature Reviews

Quantitative literature reviews are a type of literature review that focuses on analyzing and synthesizing numerical data from multiple studies to draw conclusions and make empirical generalizations. Here are the key aspects of conducting a quantitative literature review for your dissertation or thesis:

Research Question and Objectives:
- Clearly define your research question and objectives that will guide your quantitative literature review. Identify the specific variables and relationships you want to investigate.
Search Strategy:
- Develop a comprehensive search strategy using appropriate keywords and search terms to identify relevant quantitative studies. Utilize academic databases, online repositories, and other sources specific to your field.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
- Establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies that meet your research objectives. Consider factors such as the study design, sample size, data collection methods, and publication year.
Data Extraction:
- Extract relevant data from the selected studies using a standardized data extraction form. Capture key information such as study characteristics, sample characteristics, variables measured, and statistical results.
Quality Assessment:
- Assess the quality and validity of the included studies using appropriate tools or criteria. Consider factors such as study design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and statistical analysis.
Data Synthesis:
- Analyze and synthesize the quantitative data from the selected studies. Identify common themes, patterns, or trends in the findings. Use statistical techniques such as meta-analysis or systematic review methods if appropriate.
Statistical Analysis:
- Conduct statistical analysis on the aggregated data if applicable. Calculate effect sizes, confidence intervals, or conduct subgroup analyses to explore heterogeneity or moderator effects.
Interpretation and Discussion:
- Interpret the findings from the quantitative synthesis and discuss their implications. Assess the strength of the evidence, identify any limitations or biases, and suggest directions for future research.
Visual Representation:
- Consider visual representations such as tables, charts, or graphs to present the results of the quantitative synthesis effectively. These visuals can enhance understanding and facilitate comparison across studies.
Citation and Referencing:
- Provide accurate citations and references for all the studies included in your quantitative literature review. Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) required by your institution or field.

By following these steps, you can conduct a rigorous and informative quantitative literature review that provides a comprehensive analysis of the numerical data in the existing literature. It allows you to make evidence-based conclusions, identify research gaps, and contribute to the knowledge base in your field of study.

Qualitative Literature Reviews

Qualitative literature reviews involve analyzing and synthesizing qualitative research studies to gain a deep understanding of a specific research topic. Here are the key aspects to consider when conducting a qualitative literature review for your dissertation or thesis:

Research Question and Objectives:
- Clearly define your research question and objectives that will guide your qualitative literature review. Identify the specific aspects or phenomena you want to explore.
Search Strategy:
- Develop a systematic search strategy to identify relevant qualitative research studies. Utilize academic databases, online repositories, and other sources specific to your field. Use appropriate keywords and search terms related to your research topic.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
- Establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies that align with your research objectives. Consider factors such as the research design, methodology, sample characteristics, and relevance to your topic.
Data Extraction:
- Extract relevant information from the selected qualitative studies. Identify key aspects such as the research design, sample characteristics, data collection methods (e.g., interviews, observations), data analysis techniques, and main findings.
Quality Appraisal:
- Evaluate the quality and rigor of the included qualitative studies using established criteria or frameworks. Consider factors such as the clarity of research design, appropriateness of data collection methods, trustworthiness of data analysis, and coherence of findings.
Thematic Analysis:
- Analyze and identify common themes or patterns across the selected qualitative studies. Look for recurring concepts, categories, or perspectives that emerge from the data. Use techniques such as thematic analysis or content analysis.
Interpretation and Synthesis:
- Interpret the findings from the qualitative studies and synthesize them into a coherent narrative. Identify connections, contradictions, or gaps in the literature. Discuss the implications of the findings and their relevance to your research question.
Reflexivity and Positionality:
- Reflect on your own biases, assumptions, and positionality as a researcher. Consider how these factors may influence your interpretation of the qualitative studies and acknowledge any potential limitations.
Integration with Theory:
- Connect the findings from the qualitative studies with relevant theoretical frameworks or concepts. Explore how the qualitative evidence contributes to or challenges existing theories or understanding in the field.
Reporting and Presentation:
- Present your qualitative literature review in a clear and organized manner. Use appropriate headings, subheadings, and citations to guide the reader through the synthesis of the qualitative studies. Include direct quotes or excerpts to support your analysis.

By following these steps, you can conduct a comprehensive and insightful qualitative literature review that enhances the understanding of your research topic. It allows you to capture the richness and depth of qualitative research findings, identify gaps or areas for further exploration, and contribute to the knowledge base in your field of study.

How Long is a Dissertation or Thesis Literature Review Chapter?

The length of a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter can vary depending on various factors such as the nature of the research topic, the depth of the literature, and the specific requirements of your academic institution or department. While there is no fixed word count or page limit, here are some general considerations:

Depth and Scope:
- The length of the literature review chapter should be sufficient to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature on your research topic. It should cover key theories, concepts, empirical studies, and scholarly debates relevant to your research.
Research Field:
- Different academic fields may have different expectations regarding the length of the literature review chapter. Some disciplines may require a more extensive review of the literature, while others may prioritize a more concise and focused approach.
Research Level:
- The length of the literature review chapter can also vary based on the academic level of your dissertation or thesis. A literature review for a master’s thesis might be shorter compared to a doctoral dissertation, which typically requires a more extensive and in-depth review of the literature.
Specific Requirements:
- Consult the guidelines provided by your academic institution, department, or supervisor to understand any specific requirements regarding the length of the literature review chapter. Some institutions may provide recommended word count ranges or page limits.

In general, a literature review chapter for a dissertation or thesis can range from several pages to several chapters, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to strike a balance between providing a comprehensive review of the literature and maintaining focus on your research objectives. Remember that the literature review serves as a foundation for your research, showcasing your knowledge of the existing scholarship and setting the context for your study.

How Long Does It Take to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Literature Review Chapter?

The time required to write a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the research topic, the extent of existing literature, the depth of analysis required, your familiarity with the subject matter, and your writing proficiency. It is challenging to provide an exact timeframe, as the writing process is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, here are some factors to consider:

Planning and Preparation:
- Allocate sufficient time for planning and organizing your literature review. This includes defining research objectives, identifying key sources, developing a search strategy, and creating an outline or structure for your chapter.
Literature Search and Review:
- Conducting a comprehensive literature search and review can be time-consuming. You need to identify relevant scholarly sources, read and analyze them, and extract key information. Depending on the breadth and depth of your literature review, this stage can take several weeks to several months.
Analysis and Synthesis:
- Analyzing and synthesizing the literature involves identifying common themes, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of existing studies, and integrating findings into a coherent narrative. This process can require careful consideration and critical thinking and may take several weeks to complete.
Writing and Revisions:
- The actual writing of the literature review chapter can take several weeks to months, depending on your writing speed, the length of the chapter, and the complexity of the content. It is common to go through multiple drafts and revisions to refine your arguments, improve clarity, and ensure coherence.
Feedback and Editing:
- Seeking feedback from your supervisor, committee members, or peers is an essential part of the writing process. Incorporating their suggestions and making necessary revisions can add additional time to the overall timeline.

Considering these factors, writing a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter can range from a few months to several months, or even longer for extensive or interdisciplinary research topics. It is crucial to plan your time effectively, set realistic deadlines, and maintain a disciplined writing schedule to ensure timely completion.

Mistakes Commonly Made in Writing Your Dissertation or Thesis Literature Review Chapter

When writing a dissertation or thesis literature review chapter, there are some common mistakes that students often make. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them and improve the quality of your literature review. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Lack of Focus:
- One common mistake is a lack of focus and coherence in the literature review. It is essential to clearly define your research objectives and maintain a clear connection between your research questions and the literature you review. Ensure that each section contributes directly to addressing your research objectives.
Insufficient Coverage:
- Another mistake is not including a comprehensive range of relevant literature. A literature review should not be limited to a few sources or a specific viewpoint. It is crucial to explore a wide range of scholarly works, including seminal studies, recent publications, and diverse perspectives to provide a balanced and comprehensive review of the literature.
Poor Organization:
- A disorganized literature review can make it difficult for readers to follow your arguments and understand the progression of ideas. Ensure that your literature review has a clear structure with well-defined sections and subheadings. Use transitional phrases and paragraphs to create a logical flow between different sources and ideas.
Lack of Critical Analysis:
- A literature review is not just a summary of existing studies but should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Avoid simply summarizing each source without providing critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of the literature. Identify gaps, contradictions, and areas for further investigation in the existing research.
Inadequate Citation and Referencing:
- Accurate and consistent citation and referencing are crucial in a literature review. Failing to properly cite and reference your sources can lead to plagiarism and academic misconduct. Follow the appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) consistently and ensure that all sources are properly credited.
Neglecting Recent Research:
- It is important to include recent publications and developments in your field of study. Neglecting recent research can make your literature review outdated and fail to demonstrate your awareness of the current state of knowledge in your research area.
Lack of Clarity and Coherence:
- Poor writing, lack of clarity, and inconsistent formatting can make your literature review challenging to read and understand. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free from grammatical and typographical errors. Use appropriate signposting and transitions to guide readers through your arguments.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can enhance the quality and effectiveness of your dissertation or thesis literature review chapter. It is also beneficial to seek feedback from your supervisor or peers to identify and rectify any weaknesses in your literature review.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the Dissertation or Thesis Literature Review Chapter:

Q: How should I choose the sources for my literature review chapter? A: When selecting sources, consider their relevance, credibility, and recency, and aim for a balanced mix of seminal works and recent studies that contribute to the understanding of your research topic.
Q: How far back should I go in reviewing literature for my chapter? A: The extent of your literature review depends on the nature of your research topic and the existing body of knowledge. Generally, it is recommended to include relevant studies from the past 5-10 years, but seminal works and historical context may require you to explore earlier research.
Q: How do I balance including conflicting findings in my literature review chapter? A: Address conflicting findings by presenting different perspectives and interpretations, discussing the reasons behind the discrepancies, and offering a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each viewpoint.
Q: Should I cite every source I include in my literature review chapter? A: While it is important to appropriately cite and reference the sources that have contributed to your understanding, you don’t need to cite every single source mentioned in your literature review. Focus on citing the most influential and relevant works that directly support your arguments.
Q: How can I ensure the coherence and flow of ideas in my literature review chapter? A: To ensure coherence, establish clear thematic sections, organize your literature review logically, use effective transitions between ideas, and provide a cohesive narrative that builds upon previous discussions and leads to the research gaps or questions addressed in your study.
Q: Can I include my own opinions or interpretations in the literature review chapter? A: While the literature review should primarily present a synthesis of existing research, you can express your interpretations or critical analysis of the literature. However, it is important to clearly distinguish between your own ideas and the findings of the studies you are reviewing.
Q: Should I write the literature review chapter sequentially or focus on specific themes? A: Both approaches are valid. You can either write the literature review sequentially, following a chronological order of the studies, or adopt a thematic approach where you group the literature based on common themes, concepts, or research questions.
Q: How long should the literature review chapter be in a dissertation or thesis? A: The length of the literature review chapter varies depending on the research topic, academic requirements, and the extent of existing literature. It is typically several thousand words long, ranging from 15% to 30% of the total word count of your dissertation or thesis.
Q: Can I update or revise my literature review chapter after it is completed? A: Yes, it is common to revise and update the literature review chapter as your research progresses or new studies are published. It is important to keep your literature review up to date and reflect any significant developments in the field.
Q: How can I avoid plagiarism in my literature review chapter? A: To avoid plagiarism, ensure proper citation and referencing of all sources used, paraphrase and summarize information using your own words, and use quotation marks when directly quoting from a source. Familiarize yourself with the citation style recommended by your institution or discipline.

*** The End of Module 4 ***

Module 4, Chapter 2 - Literature Review