What Is Literature Review In Research

Understanding the purpose and process of a literature review in research is essential for any academic or scientific study. Know and learn more!

What Is Literature Review In Research
Do not index
Do not index
Engage in a literature review in research for fascinating insights into existing scholarly knowledge. Discover the best literature review tools to help you gather, analyze, and synthesize vast amounts of information. Dive into the depths of written works to understand perspectives, methodologies, and approaches, providing a solid foundation for your original contributions. You’ll find that thoroughly exploring published works can open new avenues for your research, making it an essential step in any academic investigation. Explore the world of literature review in research, and open the door to a wealth of information awaiting discovery.

What Is Literature Review In Research

Literature Review In Research
Literature Review In Research
A literature review provides a detailed description, summary, and evaluation of prior research on a specific subject or theory. It helps place each work within the context of understanding the research problem, identify new ways to interpret prior research and reveal any gaps in the literature.
The aim is to resolve conflicts among seemingly contradictory previous studies and identify areas of prior scholarship to avoid duplication of effort. The literature review sets the stage for additional research and locates the writer's research within the context of existing literature.

What Are The Three Parts Of A Literature Review?

Literature Review In Research
Literature Review In Research

1. Introduction

The introduction of a literature review provides a quick idea of the topic, often outlining the central theme or organizational pattern. This section helps to set the stage for the reader by giving them an overview of what the literature review will be about. It's where you can showcase the primary research question or problem to address within the review.
This sets the tone for the entire paper and gives the reader context to understand the review's significance. The introduction section is where you can establish the relevance of the topic you are reviewing and the reasons it is important to the field.

2. Body

The body of a literature review is where the discussion of sources takes place. Generally, the body is organized in either a chronological, thematic, or methodological manner. In the body section, you will examine, evaluate, and synthesize the sources you have gathered. This section provides the meat of your literature review and is where you discuss the key findings and ideas from the literature.
It involves critically analyzing the findings of the papers you review, noting any weaknesses in the research, and identifying any gaps that need to be addressed in future research. The purpose of the body is to provide a thorough examination of the existing research on the topic.

3. Conclusions/Recommendations

A literature review's conclusion and/or recommendations section discusses what you have drawn from the reviewed literature so far. This section ties everything together and summarizes the key points discussed in the body of the review. It also allows you to present your own insights and ideas regarding the topic.
This is where you synthesize the findings, identify any patterns or trends in the literature, and suggest potential areas for future research or consideration. The conclusions and recommendations section is designed to bring the literature review to a close by reiterating the main findings and suggesting potential directions for further inquiry.

Enhance Your Research and Writing Experience with Unriddle

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, chat with the same documents in real time, and much more!
Read faster & write better — try Unriddle for free today.

How To Write A Literature Review In 7 Simple Steps

Literature Review In Research
Literature Review In Research

1. Narrow Your Topic and Select Papers Accordingly

To write a compelling literature review, it is crucial to narrow your topic to a specific study area. This can be achieved by considering what interests you and other researchers in your field.
It is advisable to consult your professor, brainstorm ideas, and read recent publications related to your topic. By limiting the scope of your research to a smaller topic area, such as focusing on a particular aspect of a larger subject, you can delve deeper into the subject matter and provide a more detailed analysis.

2. Search for Literature

Once you have narrowed down your topic, the next step is to search for relevant literature. Define your source selection criteria, such as the publication date range, geographic region, or methodology used in the studies.
Utilize keywords to search library databases and explore reference lists of recent articles and reviews to discover additional relevant papers. Make sure to include studies that may present viewpoints contrary to your own to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.

3. Read the Selected Articles Thoroughly and Evaluate Them

After selecting relevant articles, it is essential to read them thoroughly and evaluate their content critically. Pay attention to the researchers' assumptions, methodologies employed, key findings, referenced experts in the field, conflicting theories, and the popularity of certain theories over time. This evaluation will help you synthesize the information and draw connections between different studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.

4. Organize the Selected Papers by Looking for Patterns and Developing Subtopics

To streamline your literature review, organize the selected papers by identifying common themes, contested findings, important trends, and influential theories. By grouping papers with similar characteristics, you can develop subtopics and identify patterns within the literature. This organization will help you present a structured and coherent review of the existing research.

5. Develop a Thesis or Purpose Statement

Based on the analysis of the selected papers, develop a clear thesis or purpose statement that encapsulates the major trends and developments observed in the research. Your thesis statement should reflect the conclusion you have reached about the subject after reviewing the literature comprehensively.

6. Write the Paper

When writing your literature review, follow the organizational structure developed in the previous steps. Ensure that your paper flows logically, with each section linking to the next seamlessly. Structure your paper based on themes or subtopics rather than individual theorists or researchers to maintain coherence and clarity.

7. Review Your Work

The final step in writing a literature review involves reviewing your work meticulously. Check the topic sentences of each paragraph to ensure they align with your main argument and contribute to a coherent narrative. Make an outline of each section to determine if additional information is needed, irrelevant information should be removed, or sections require restructuring.
Reading your work aloud can help identify grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and unclear sentences. Verify that you have referenced all important and up-to-date texts in your field and ensure that citations and references follow the appropriate style guidelines.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide On How To Use Unriddle's AI Research Tool

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Unriddle. I’ve also copied it below :)

From here, it's pretty simple.
Unriddle helps you read, write and learn faster.
  1. Interact with documents via AI so you can quickly find and understand info.
  1. Then start writing in a new Note and Unriddle will show you relevant content from your library as you type.
  1. Get started by uploading a document.
  1. Or read on for the full rundown.

Interact with documents

notion image
When you upload a document, Unriddle generates an AI assistant on top of this data.
Click 'New' in the right sidebar and then select 'Upload' to get started.
Use this assistant to answer specific questions about the text, summarize content and simplify jargon.
The trick is to be super clear about what you want.
If you're summarizing a research paper, for example, instead of saying “Summarize” or “Summarize this research paper”, say something like “Explain this research paper to me in simple terms. What method did the researchers use? What did they find? Why does it matter?”.
The second prompt will produce a much better overview of the paper because we're giving the AI more hints about what we want.

Automatic relations

notion image
Unriddle grasps the context behind each Note and Document in your library and automatically links them based on meaning.
Let's say you have a collection of nuclear physics papers in your library.
When you start writing a note about The Manhattan Project, simply mentioning "The Manhattan Project" will prompt Unriddle to find the connection between this note and the nuclear physics papers.
Even if you didn't explicitly mention the research papers, Unriddle's knowledge of Oppenheimer, his work, and the significant relevance of these papers means it understands the connection and automatically links them together.
In short, Unriddle shows you relevant content from your library at the exact moment you need it, even if you haven't explicitly mentioned it.

Citing your sources

notion image
Writing is hard when you have a ton of sources to track.
So we made it easy.
Highlight some text, click ‘Cite’ and you’ll see items from your library that contain information related to the selection of text you just highlighted as determined by our AI.
When you select an item Unriddle inserts a link into highlighted text that, when clicked, takes you to the referenced item.

Writing with AI

notion image
Click ‘New’ in the sidebar and hit ‘Note’ to open up a new note.
Here you’ll find all the text formatting options you’re used to and more.
Type ‘++’ to generate text based on the context of what’s already written.
Highlight text and click ‘Ask AI’ to open up the AI menu where you’ll find options to improve, expand, summarize and explain.
You can type custom prompts too!
Finally, you can open any note in a pane on the right side of the screen while interacting with documents. Just click the orange pencil icon at the top of the chat window.

Chat Settings

notion image
Adjust the model, temperature and response length in the Setting sidebar.
Click the cog icon in the top right corner of the screen and look for "Chat Settings".
These apply across all documents but you can easily flip between them regardless of settings at the time of upload.
  • Model: the machine learning model used to generate responses.
  • Temperature: the amount of creative license you give to the AI.
  • Max length: the maximum number of words generated in a response.

Got feedback or questions? Send us an email and we'll get back to you within a day.
— Naveed

3 Types Of Literature Review

Literature Review In Research
Literature Review In Research

1. Integrated Literature Review

Integrated literature reviews are not stand-alone but embedded in another assignment, such as a thesis or research project. The main focus is on linking the review to the original project to demonstrate how the work improves the knowledge base and fills existing gaps.
This type of literature review is closely related to the main project, providing critical insights on the research context, methodologies, and outcomes. This form of literature review is highly valued in academia as it reinforces the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

2. Systematic Literature Review

A systematic literature review involves a comprehensive and scientific approach towards analyzing research materials. This type of review requires setting up a rigorous research methodology for searching and selecting relevant articles. Once the articles are collected, they are thoroughly assessed and critically reviewed to provide insights into the overall impact of a variable or a theme.
The goal is to identify ways to enhance the field and suggest future research directions based on the analyzed data. Systematic reviews are detailed and exhaustive, often serving as standalone research projects due to the depth of the analysis required.

3. Integrative Literature Review

Integrative literature reviews share similarities with systematic reviews but with a key distinction – they don't just draw conclusions about the literature but utilize these conclusions to generate new knowledge or insights. Integrative reviews go beyond summarizing existing research by synthesizing findings to create novel perspectives, frameworks, or practical applications.
Integrative reviews can propose innovative solutions, training programs, or theories that contribute to the existing body of knowledge by utilizing the reviewed literature. This type of review is instrumental in generating fresh ideas and practical outcomes from existing scholarly works.

Streamline Your Research and Writing Process with Unriddle

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 use AI to show you the most relevant sources from your library. You will never lose a citation again.
  • Generate text with AI autocomplete to improve and expand your writing. All suggestions are based on the context of what you're working on.
Step into a collaborative workspace where everyone can contribute, chat with the same documents in real time, and much more!
Read faster & write better — try Unriddle for free today.

Literature Review Example

Literature Review In Research
Literature Review In Research

1. Background Information

The literature review discusses the impact of technology on language acquisition in English learners.

2. Key Findings

The literature review found that technology can significantly enhance language learning outcomes.

3. Methodology

The study used a thematic review to synthesize the existing literature on the topic.

4. Overview

The review highlights the benefits of integrating technology into English language learning programs.

Literature Review as a Research Methodology

1. Purpose

This literature review serves as a guide for using literature reviews as a research methodology.

2. Guidelines

The review provides step-by-step instructions for conducting a literature review in interdisciplinary research.

3. Importance

The review emphasizes the significance of literature reviews in acquiring interdisciplinary knowledge.

4. Overview

The literature review lays out a comprehensive framework for conducting methodological literature reviews.

Read Faster & Write Better With Unriddle for Free Today

Unriddle is a comprehensive literature review tool that aims to streamline the research process by employing artificial intelligence to assist users. By enhancing reading speed and writing abilities, Unriddle is designed to simplify complex topics, aid in information discovery, facilitate note-taking, and improve the writing process for academic and professional users.

Efficient Information Retrieval

Unriddle functions as a trusted aid for researchers and students alike, offering a robust AI assistant feature that can be applied to any document. Its capabilities include expedited information retrieval, summarization, and comprehension, making skimming through lengthy texts a thing of the past.

Enhanced Writing through Automatic Connections

The AI component of Unriddle is programmed to comprehend the nuances of a user's writing, creating automatic connections to relevant material that individuals have read and written about previously. By highlighting specific text, Unriddle generates a list of the most pertinent sources from a user's library, thereby eliminating the hassle of losing citations.

Enhanced Writing through Automatic Connections

Unriddle's autocomplete feature suggests text based on the context of the current work, aiding in the expansion and enhancement of writing projects. The platform also offers a collaborative workspace where users can work together, contributing to and discussing shared documents in real-time.

Collaborative Research and Writing with Unriddle

Unriddle is a sophisticated literature review tool that harnesses the potential of AI to optimize the research process, enhance writing proficiency, and promote collaborative endeavors. By utilizing this tool, researchers and students can delve deeper into their subjects and produce higher-quality work in less time.

Ready to take the next big step for your research?

Join 500K+ researchers now

Get started

Related posts

A Beginner's Guide On APA Literature Review Format

A Beginner's Guide On APA Literature Review Format

Struggling with APA literature review format? This beginner's guide provides step-by-step instructions and examples to help navigate the process.

10 Best Systematic Review Software For Efficient Writing

10 Best Systematic Review Software For Efficient Writing

Improve your writing efficiency with these systematic review software options. Find the tool to help you create comprehensive and accurate reviews.

170 Best Literature Review Topics For Effective Writing

170 Best Literature Review Topics For Effective Writing

From classic literary works to contemporary issues, our list of literature review topics covers a wide range of subjects for effective writing.

A Beginner's Guide On Narrative Literature Review

A Beginner's Guide On Narrative Literature Review

Confused about narrative literature reviews? This guide breaks down the process, making it easy for beginners to understand and implement.

Ultimate Comparison of Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography

Ultimate Comparison of Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography

Looking to understand the distinctions between a literature review vs annotated bibliography? This guide will help you grasp their unique uses.

17 Powerful Google Scholar Alternative Tools

17 Powerful Google Scholar Alternative Tools

Discover new ways to access academic resources with these top Google Scholar alternatives. Find the right tool for your research needs today.

Scientific Literature Review Example, Template, and Method

Scientific Literature Review Example, Template, and Method

Get a head start with this scientific literature review examples, template, and method that will guide you through the process step by step.

Top 10 Powerful AI Literature Review Generator Tools

Top 10 Powerful AI Literature Review Generator Tools

Need help with AI literature review generator? Explore top AI tools that can assist you in creating comprehensive and reviews in no time.

Literature Review Abstract Example, Format, and Contents

Literature Review Abstract Example, Format, and Contents

Learn the format and contents using literature review abstract examples. Get a clear understanding of what should be included in your abstract.

Systematic Literature Review Example, Format, and Writing Method

Systematic Literature Review Example, Format, and Writing Method

Looking for a systematic literature review example? This guide covers the format, writing method, and what you need to know to conduct a review

A Beginner's Guide To Review Of Related Literature

A Beginner's Guide To Review Of Related Literature

Understand the importance of a review of related literature. Learn how to conduct thorough research and analysis in your academic writing.

How To Write A Scientific Literature Review In 5 Simple Steps

How To Write A Scientific Literature Review In 5 Simple Steps

Learn how to write a scientific literature review in five easy steps. This guide breaks down the process into manageable tasks, making it easier.

Consensus AI Tool Features, Alternatives, Pros, And Cons

Consensus AI Tool Features, Alternatives, Pros, And Cons

Find out what you need to know about Consensus AI tools, from features, alternatives, pros, and cons. Make the right choice for your business.

Paper Digest Literature Review Tool, Features, Alternatives, and Benefits

Paper Digest Literature Review Tool, Features, Alternatives, and Benefits

Explore the features, alternatives, and benefits of using Paper Digest literature review process. Stay organized with this research tool.

How To Write A Thesis Literature Review In 4 Simple Steps

How To Write A Thesis Literature Review In 4 Simple Steps

Writing a thesis literature review doesn't have to be daunting. Follow these steps to effectively analyze existing literature for your thesis.

Dissertation Literature Review Example and Format

Dissertation Literature Review Example and Format

Get a clear understanding of how to write a dissertation literature review example and format. Showcase your critical analysis and research skills.

Scite AI Assistant Features, Alternatives, and Pros and Cons

Scite AI Assistant Features, Alternatives, and Pros and Cons

Learn about the features, alternatives, and the strengths and weaknesses of Scite AI Assistant. Determine if it's the right tool for your needs.

8 Best Literature Review Writing Service

8 Best Literature Review Writing Service

Get professional help with best literature review writing services available. Explore our list to find the perfect service for your needs.

15 Best Literature Review Online Tool For Efficient Writing

15 Best Literature Review Online Tool For Efficient Writing

Make your literature review writing process easier with these online tools to help you organize, analyze, and cite your sources effectively.

An Ultimate Guide On Writing A Methodology For Literature Review

An Ultimate Guide On Writing A Methodology For Literature Review

Looking on how to write a methodology for literature review? This guide covers everything you need to know to craft a well-structured methodology.

15 Best AI Literature Review Tools

15 Best AI Literature Review Tools

Conducting a literature review? Make your research process easier with these literature review tools designed to enhance your review experience.

Complete Literature Review Example Guides

Complete Literature Review Example Guides

Stuck on how to write a literature review? These literature review example articles showcase approaches and help guide you in crafting your own.

How To Use ChatGPT For Literature Review (Pro Tips!)

How To Use ChatGPT For Literature Review (Pro Tips!)

Utilize ChatGPT for literature review needs with this guide. Find out how ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you conduct research and analyze data.

The Most Detailed Comparison of A Scoping Review vs Literature Revie

The Most Detailed Comparison of A Scoping Review vs Literature Revie

Curious about the difference between a scoping review vs literature review? This comparison breaks down the key distinctions between the two.

A Beginner's Guide To Thematic Literature Review

A Beginner's Guide To Thematic Literature Review

Need help navigating thematic literature reviews? Look no further! This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple steps.

How To Write An Abstract For A Literature Review Effectively

How To Write An Abstract For A Literature Review Effectively

Master the art of how to write an abstract for a literature review with this informative guide. Start creating standout abstracts today!

How To Write A Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

How To Write A Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

Need help on how to write a literature review? Follow these 9 simple steps to create a well-structured and comprehensive literature review.

How To Write A Systematic Literature Review In 7 Simple Step

How To Write A Systematic Literature Review In 7 Simple Step

Follow these seven steps to conduct a systematic literature review and gather valuable insights for your research project. Start today!

Literature Review Outline Example For Inspiration

Literature Review Outline Example For Inspiration

Stuck on how to structure your literature review? Get inspired by literature review outline examples that breaks down the key sections for you.

Detailed Comparison: Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Detailed Comparison: Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Systematic review vs literature review. Discover the unique characteristics of each type of review and determine which suits your research needs.

10 Top-Notch Literature Review Generator Tools

10 Top-Notch Literature Review Generator Tools

Struggling to organize your literature review? These literature review generator tools can help streamline the process and improve work quality.

How To Do A Systematic Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

How To Do A Systematic Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

Learn how to do a systematic literature review by following these nine steps. This guide will walk you through each stage of the process.

Methods Section Of Literature Review Example and Format

Methods Section Of Literature Review Example and Format

Methods section of literature review example can be of help? This can serve as a helpful guide to ensure you cover all the necessary details.

Literature Review Introduction Example For Inspiration

Literature Review Introduction Example For Inspiration

Get inspired with this literature review introduction example that will help kickstart your process. Learn to present your literature effectively.

19 Practical Tips for Literature Search & 4 Best Tools for Literature Search

19 Practical Tips for Literature Search & 4 Best Tools for Literature Search

Conducting a literature search can be overwhelming. These practical tips and top tools will help you navigate the process. Find out more here!

12 Best IvyPanda Paraphrasing Tool Alternatives

12 Best IvyPanda Paraphrasing Tool Alternatives

Discover the 12 best IvyPanda Paraphrasing Tool alternatives. Explore top options to enhance your writing and paraphrasing needs effectively.

How To Summarize An Article Without Plagiarizing In 5 Simple Steps

How To Summarize An Article Without Plagiarizing In 5 Simple Steps

Learn how to summarize an article without plagiarizing in 5 simple steps. Follow our guide to create original summaries quickly and accurately.

18 Best Alternatives For Efficient Summaries

18 Best Alternatives For Efficient Summaries

Discover 18 top SMMRY.com alternatives for efficient summaries, offering a range of tools to streamline your text condensation needs.