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Literature Review: Introduction
Subject Guide

How to write a Literature Review
Take our "How to write a literature Review Tutorial"
What is a Literature Review?
"A literature review is a written document that presents a logically argued case founded on a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge about a topic of study. This case establishes a convincing thesis to answer the study's question."
(Machi, L.A. & McEvoy, B.T. 2009, The literature review: six steps to success, p. 4)
A Literature review:
- Is a critical, in-depth evaluation of research already undertaken on a specific topic.
- Allows you to demonstrate your ability to identify relevant information and to outline existing knowledge.
- Identifies the gap in the research that your work will address and produce a rationale for your own research.
- Is not a list of all previous research, but rather an assessment of the research.
This guide provides general guidance - check with your supervisor/lecturer/school to find out if there are any specific requirements for your literature review before proceeding.
Literature review Books
Doing Your Literature Review by Jill Jesson; Lydia Matheson; Fiona M. Lacey
ISBN: 9781848601543Publication Date: 2011-03-14The Literature Review by Lawrence A. Machi; Brenda T. McEvoy
ISBN: 9781412961356Publication Date: 2008-07-10
Find more by doing a search on OneSearch for the phrase “doing literature review” and then in the left panel limit your results to Library Catalogue to see some of what is available.
- Last Updated: Feb 7, 2023 2:12 PM
- URL: https://libguides.ucd.ie/litreview
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