Conducting a Literature Review

Critical Questions for a Literature Review

• Who are the key researchers on this topic?
• What has been the focus of the research efforts so far, and what is the current status?
• How have certain studies built on prior studies? Where are the connections? Are there new interpretations of the research?
• Have there been any controversies or debates about the research? Is there a consensus? Are there any contradictions?
• Which areas have been identified as needing further research? Have any pathways been suggested?
• How will your topic uniquely contribute to this body of knowledge?
• Which methodologies have researchers used, and which appear to be the most productive?
• What sources of information or data were identified that might be useful to you?
• How does your topic fit into the larger context of what has already been done?
• How has the research that has already been done help frame your current investigation?

For comprehensive literature searching, it is important to be systematic in your approach. This includes developing a plan for your search (including the search terms you will use and the resources you will search) and keeping records of the searches you carry out.