Writing a Literature Review in Social Sciences

1) Understand the purpose of your literature review

2) Building or polishing your research toolbox 
 

 
Source: http://www.phdcomis.com 

• Writing a literature review is about making connections with the related works and with your own research. See the big picture. 
  
  
• It is quite often impossible to search (and read) "everything" that has been written and published on a topic. Be selective. 
  
  
• At some point, you have to STOP searching and reading, and start to write a draft. Know when to stop. 
  
  
• It could be an overwhelming task. Setting up your research toolbox before you jump into the task will help you manage the process better. Get prepared.

Depending on the purpose of your literature review, you will need different ways to get prepared.  The following tips will help you visualize what your final product will look like. 

• As a term paper for a class? 
  • Interpret the requirements of the assignment
    • Length, due dates, # of sources to use, which style the paper should be formatted, etc.
       
• As part of a research article? 
  • If you have a specific journal in mind to publish your research article, read the literature review section of 2-3 articles published in the journal. Read the "Instructions for Authors," a set of requirements to submit a paper to the journal, to see if there is any requirement on the literature review section of the paper.
     
• For a literature review article? 
  • Make yourself familiar with the common format of review articles in the field 
  • Most of the scholarly journals publish review articles. Read the specific instructions on the review article submission. 
    • E.g., 
      International Journal of Management Reviews
      Psychology of Men and Masculities's Literature Review Guideline
  • See if an "Annual Review of..." series is available in the field or on the chosen topic  
    • E.g., 
      Annual Review of Information Science and Technology
      Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior  
       
• For a Systematic Review project?
  • Systematic Review is a type of review to identify, appraise, and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. 
  • For resources and strategies to conduct a systematic review project, see the Libraries' Systematic Reviews Guide.

• As a chapter for a dissertation or thesis? 
  • Read the literature review chapter of 2-3 dissertations or theses directed by your dissertation adviser, committee members, or the recent dissertations on the chosen topic.
    • E.g., "How to Find Theses & Dissertations"
       

Toolbox for Searching:

• Know key databases and journals in the field 
• Know advanced search techniques and when to use them 
  • A video tutorial on Boolean Operators for Database Searching (from VCU) (3:02)
  • Check out "Help" page of a database (if available) to learn the techniques
• Know how to keep track of the search
  •  Download  Search Log Template (or create your own)
  • Sample Search Log (Topic: Adolescent Depression & Attachment ) to learn how to use the Template 
• Know citation chaining methods (or how to search cited references) 
• Know Interlibrary Loan procedures
• Need Help?
  • Check out Research Guides in your field 
  • Schedule an appointment with Liaison Librarian

Toolbox for Writing:

• Make yourself familiar with the required publishing style (e.g., APA, MLA, etc.) 
• Learn how to use citation management tools 
• Understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it 
• Need Help?
  • Check out Research Guide to Citations