Dissertation Literature Review Example and Format

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Writing a dissertation literature review is a critical element of any academic research project. Without an adequate literature review, the research conducted cannot be justified as significant, valid, or important. A literature review offers a comprehensive outline of the research findings that have been conducted on a specific topic. It points out new directions for further research. A dissertation literature review example shows that it helps you in defining your research question, understanding others' research findings, and more. A literature review allows you to build a case for your research project through identifying gaps in the current research.

High-quality articles, such as those found in the Journal of Marketing, contain literature reviews. Published literature reviews are excellent sources of examples of what literature reviews should look like. You may also be able to find examples of literature reviews in dissertations. Dissertations often contain literature reviews that are part of the introduction. A dissertation literature review example can help you keep focused on the important aspects of your literature review. This can help you ensure that you have covered the key points in your review. Learn how you can use literature review tools for effective dissertation.

What Is A Dissertation?

A dissertation is a research project completed as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Typically, a dissertation will enable you to present your findings in response to a question that you propose yourself. It is probably the longest piece of academic work you will produce. At undergraduate level, word count requirements can range anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 words while a Masters level dissertation can be 10,000 to 15,000 words long!

How To Write A Literature Review

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Can I Do A Literature Review For My Dissertation?

Conducting a literature review enables you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of the existing work within your field of research. This process allows you to identify any underdeveloped areas or unexplored issues within a specific debate, dialogue, or field of study, which, in turn, helps you to clearly and persuasively demonstrate how your research will address one or more of these gaps.

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Ways To Formatting A Dissertation

Choosing a Topic

To begin, I must choose a topic that interests me and is relevant to my field of study. This topic should be specific enough to explore in-depth but broad enough to have sufficient resources to support my research.

Conducting a Literature Search

Next, I conduct a literature search. This includes finding relevant academic sources, books, articles, and other materials that will help me understand the current state of knowledge on my chosen topic.

Devising Research Questions/Hypotheses

After reviewing the literature, I develop research questions or hypotheses. These questions will guide my research and help me focus on what I aim to discover or prove through my study.

Devising My Approach

If my dissertation involves primary research, I must devise my methodology, methods, and data collection techniques. This involves considering how I will gather and analyze data to answer my research questions.

Thinking of a Title

After deciding on my research questions, I can think of a creative and engaging title for my dissertation. This should capture the essence of my research and catch the reader's attention.

Planning My Time

I must create a detailed timeline for my dissertation. This timeline should include deadlines for each stage of writing, research, and editing. This will help me stay on track throughout the dissertation writing process.

Writing a Proposal

If my institution requires it, I will write a proposal outlining my dissertation topic, research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. This will help me get feedback and approval from my supervisor before I start the research and writing process.

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How To Write A Dissertation Literature Review

1. Identify sources

To write a strong dissertation literature review, it is vital to identify the sources you will review. If you do not have a reference list provided by your instructor, refer back to the techniques discussed earlier. Ensure your sources are well-balanced, incorporating a mix of books, academic journals, and reliable scholarly work.

2. Read your sources

After organizing your sources, it is time to read through them. To do this effectively, it is best to read in stages. Initially, go through all texts to understand their content and arguments. This helps you determine which sources to focus on. In the next stage, delve deeper into your sources, critically analyzing them.

3. Consider gaps in the research

Identifying the research gap is crucial when writing a dissertation literature review. This step is particularly important if your review is part of a research proposal, as it highlights the significance of your research. Recognizing the gap is indicative of strong critical analysis and can enhance your work.

4. Start by reading

Begin by reading key parts of articles in your research area. Use keywords to search on Google Scholar or explore databases like JSTOR for an overview of available literature. You can expand your search by checking related articles or references to your sources.

5. Abstracts and recommendations

Reading the abstract provides a good starting point for understanding article content. Review the introductory and concluding paragraphs to grasp the research's aims and outcomes. Recommendations for future studies often highlight research gaps.

6. Write your review

Use sample literature reviews

Review existing debates and themes by examining samples to frame your review.

Keep it simple

Focus your topic to avoid addressing every argument. Clearly state your review's focus.

Use current sources

Ensure your sources are up-to-date, especially in scientific fields.

Consider organization

Think about how to organize themes, topics, and arguments.

Write body paragraphs

Write each paragraph in line with academic conventions.

Write the conclusion

Summarize literature implications and link them to your argument or research question.

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Citing your sources

Writing is hard when you have a ton of sources to track.

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Dissertation Literature Review Example

An Affair Cloaked in Secrecy

The Cold War Relationship Between the BBC and the Information Research Department 2020 Bealing (PDF, 531kB) By Rebecca Charlotte Bealing.

In this dissertation, Rebecca Charlotte Bealing explores the secretive relationship between the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Information Research Department during the Cold War. The work delves into the covert relationship that existed between these two institutions. This research topic is relevant as it provides insight into the operations of the BBC during the Cold War.

An investigation into the relationship between early exposure and brand loyalty

This dissertation investigates the link between early exposure and brand loyalty. This research is significant as it examines consumer behavior and brand loyalty, shedding light on the impact that early exposure has on consumer attitudes towards specific brands. Understanding this relationship can provide valuable insights into marketing strategies.

What my mother taught me

An exploration of the maternal experience in the ghetto and its impact on attitudes and behaviors in motherhood after the war 2020 Best (PDF, 488kB) by Iris Best

Iris Best’s dissertation explores the maternal experience in the ghetto during the war and its impact on motherhood attitudes and behaviors post-war. This research topic is relevant as it touches on the effects of traumatic experiences on parenting.

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Unriddle allows you to read faster and write better. Quickly find info in documents, simplify complex topics, take notes, and write with the power of AI. Unriddle is trusted by thousands of researchers and students, from the classroom to the boardroom.

Unriddle generates an AI assistant on top of any document so you can quickly find, summarize, and understand info. No more endless skimming.

Unriddle understands the meaning behind your writing and automatically links you to relevant things you’ve read and written about in the past.

Highlight text and Unriddle will show you the most relevant sources from your library using AI. Never lose a citation again.

Generate text with AI autocomplete to improve and expand your writing, with all suggestions based on the context of what you're working on.

Step into a collaborative workspace where everyone can contribute and chat with the same documents in real-time, and much more!

Read faster & write better — try Unriddle for free today.

Read Faster & Write Better With Unriddle for Free Today

Imagine having an AI assistant that helps you read faster, find information quickly in documents, and simplify complex topics. Unriddle does just that. With Unriddle, you can take notes, find information, and write more effectively thanks to the power of AI. This tool is used by researchers, students, and professionals alike, from classrooms to boardrooms.

Unriddle generates an AI assistant for your documents, allowing you to quickly find, summarize, and understand information. No more endless skimming through lengthy texts.