Writing a Short Literature Review - William Ashton

Writing a Short Literature Review by William Ashton is a guide that provides tips and guidance on how to write a concise literature review. It helps researchers and students to summarize the existing knowledge on a particular topic or research question.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of a literature review?
A: The purpose of a literature review is to summarize and evaluate the existing research and scholarly articles on a specific topic.

Q: How do you structure a literature review?
A: A literature review is typically structured with an introduction, body paragraphs that discuss the key themes or concepts, and a conclusion that summarizes the findings.

Q: What is the difference between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?
A: A literature review provides a critical analysis of the existing literature on a topic, while an annotated bibliography is a list of citations with a brief summary or evaluation of each source.

Q: How do you identify relevant sources for a literature review?
A: Relevant sources for a literature review can be identified through databases, scholarly journals, and academic books that are specific to the topic being researched.

Q: How do you analyze and evaluate the sources in a literature review?
A: Sources in a literature review are analyzed and evaluated based on their credibility, relevance, and contribution to the understanding of the research topic.

Q: What are the common challenges faced when writing a literature review?
A: Common challenges when writing a literature review include finding and selecting appropriate sources, synthesizing information from multiple sources, and maintaining objectivity in the analysis.

Q: How long should a literature review be?
A: The length of a literature review can vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment or research project, but it generally ranges from a few pages to several pages.

Q: What are the benefits of conducting a literature review?
A: Conducting a literature review helps to identify the current state of knowledge on a topic, highlight research gaps, and provide a foundation for future research.

Q: Can a literature review be used as a standalone piece of work?
A: A literature review can be used as a standalone piece of work, such as in a research proposal or as part of a larger research project.

Q: How should I cite the sources in a literature review?
A: In a literature review, sources should be properly cited using a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.