Writing a Literature Review in Social Sciences

Source: wikipedia 

1) Read & think critically

2) Make connections with related materials

3) Find out the most important landmark studies and key authors on the topic 

4) Evaluate sources 

5) Be selective : for every material that is reviewed for your paper, you should be able to justify why you include it.

6) Place your working thesis in context

• How are sources similar in terms of methodologies, theories, claims, choice and interpretation of evidence, etc.?
• How do they differ?
• Do you observe gaps in the research or areas that require further study?
• Do particular issues or problems stand out? Do you want (or does your prompt ask you) to compare texts in general or hone in on a specific issue or question?

Source: Duke University Writing Studio 

Check this How to Read a Scholarly Article guide, if you are new to academic research. 

• Critical Reading Strategies (from University of Minnesota) 
  
  
• Strategies for Reading More Critically (from Colorado State University)
• Previewing
• Annotating
• Summarizing
• Analyzing
• Re-reading
• Responding
  
  
• AACU (Association of American Colleges & Universities)'s Assessment Rubric of 
• Critical Reading  

• AACU (Association of American Colleges & Universities)'s Assessment Rubric of 
• Critical Thinking 
  
  
• Critical Thinking Grid & Worksheet  (from Foundation for Critical Thinking) 
  
  
• Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework (from Univ. of Louisville) 
  
  
• Research Guide to Critical Thinking : Faculty Resources 

• The author: credibility, reputation
• A list of references or other citations 
• The intended audience
• The content of the source: fact, opinion, or propaganda
• Comprehensive coverage
• Objective language 
• Generalization with no overstating or oversimplifying of a matter
• Accuracy
• Timeliness of the source 
• Cross-checking of the given information
• Generalization backed up with evidence 
• Balanced arguments acknowledging other viewpoints 

Source: Purdue Univ.'s OWL :Evaluation During Reading