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A literature review is summary that pulls together, interprets, and logically arranges the current state of knowledge on a subject that others have been researching. It can be done as an introduction to one's own research, or it can be presented as a stand alone paper. In your case, you will be writing a stand alone literature review on a narrow topic that is of interest to you. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to go forward with your own literature review, have a look at this video.
(Video courtesy of John C. Pace Library, University of West Florida)
Like the video above? Are you a visual learner? If so, have a look at this one. Here you'll learn how to make sure your lit review more than just a list of disjointed references and you'll learn to put your own voice into your synthesis.
It's time to get organized. The more organized your ideas are in the early stages, the more things will flow later.
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Step 1. Read this handout provided by UNC's Writing Center. This is an excellent jump starter that will help you think ahead. After reading this guide, remember to return to this page to go on to step 2.
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Step 2. Time to get hands-on and to do some brainstorming! No need to get on a computer quite yet! In fact, it's probably best to do this with paper and pencil. Click on the image to see what happens when we are too anxious to start typing before doing the mind-mapping and brainstorming needed to get good results. Don't forget to to return to this page in order to go on to step 3. Click here. → |
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Step 3. Now that you have your keywords on paper, you're ready to begin the detective work at your computer! Start with some of the databases you see in the column on the far right side of this page. If you need help, be sure to visit the library to ask for assistance. If you want to feel like a search pro, ask for tips on using boolean operators, truncation, wildcards, and quotations.
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Step 4. Things are starting to come together. In fact, you're starting to find so much information that you're unsure how to keep track of it. There are many places to conveniently save and organize what you find including Google Drive, EBSCOhost, EndNote, etc. Click on the photo to see a published and literature review. → Click here to see an example of a student's lit review at another institution . |
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Step 5. You will probably write multiple drafts before you are happy with your final literature review. If you are having any trouble with the writing process, be sure to speak to Dr. Rapp to ask for her feedback and suggestions. Also consider making an appointment with the Roanoke College Writing Center for assistance.
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The landing page for Fintel Library is a great place to begin. More narrowly focused collections of electronic journals can be found below.
