How to write a literature review - my simple 5 step process!

Summary

This video script offers a structured approach to writing a literature review for PhD students, emphasizing clarity on research purpose and effective organization. It outlines five key steps: defining the research question, identifying relevant topics, conducting literature searches, synthesizing information to refine the review structure, and finally, writing with a focus on clarity and purpose. The script also highlights the importance of daily reading habits and using tools like Excel for organization, aiming to demystify the literature review process.

Takeaways

• 📚 Step 1: Be crystal clear on your research question and why you are conducting the research. This forms the foundation of your literature review.
• 🗣️ Consult with your supervisor to ensure you understand their vision and direction for the research.
• 🔍 Step 2: Identify the broad topics needed to answer your research question. Use existing dissertations in your field as a guide.
• 📖 Look at the history and development of your research area to understand its evolution and current state.
• 💡 Step 3: Conduct literature searches on each identified topic using Google Scholar and other databases. Organize your findings.
• 📝 Create summaries of key papers, noting the main findings, challenges, and unique aspects. Store these in an easily searchable format like Excel.
• 🗂️ Use tools like Mendeley or EndNote for reference management and organization.
• 🧠 Step 4: Allow your brain to digest and synthesize the information from the literature, identifying patterns and correlations.
• 🔧 Refine the structure of your literature review based on your understanding of the literature. Add subheadings to organize your thoughts.
• ✍️ Step 5: Write consistently and break down the writing process into manageable chunks. Focus on clarity and how each piece of literature relates to your research question.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a literature review in the context of a PhD thesis?

The main purpose of a literature review in a PhD thesis is to provide an overview of the existing research in the field, identify gaps in the current knowledge, and establish the significance and context of the research being conducted.

Why is it important to be clear on the research question before starting a literature review?

Being clear on the research question is crucial because it forms the foundation of the literature review. It helps in identifying relevant literature, focusing the search, and ensuring that the review is directly related to the research objectives.

What role does a supervisor play in the initial stages of a literature review?

A supervisor often provides guidance on the direction of the research, helps in refining the research question, and ensures that the literature review aligns with the academic expectations and the overall research project.

How can one identify the main topics to be included in a literature review?

One can identify main topics by considering the research question, exploring the boundaries and interfaces of related subjects, and examining how other dissertations in similar fields have structured their literature reviews.

What is a suggested method for organizing the literature found during the review process?

A suggested method is to use an Excel spreadsheet to create a 'cheat sheet' with references, authors, topic areas, and key findings or notes that are easily searchable for quick reference during writing.

Why is it recommended to read literature regularly during the literature review process?

Regular reading helps in digesting information, allowing the brain to pick up patterns, synthesize results, and make connections between different pieces of research, which is essential for formulating a comprehensive literature review.

How can one determine the number of papers to include in each topic area during the literature review?

The number of papers to include depends on the subject area and the depth of research required. The speaker suggests finding 20 to 50 papers per topic, but it's important to ensure that each paper contributes something novel to the review.

What is the significance of creating subheadings in a literature review after reading the literature?

Creating subheadings allows for a more granular organization of the literature review, guided by the patterns, correlations, and disagreements found in the literature. It helps in structuring the writing process and ensures a focused discussion on each aspect of the research.

What is the recommended approach to writing the actual content of a literature review?

The recommended approach is to break down the writing into chunks, focusing on two or three subheadings a day, and aiming for quantity over perfection initially. After drafting, one should go back and edit for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

How can one ensure that their literature review writing is effective and contributes to the overall research?

One can ensure effectiveness by always relating the findings back to the research question or 'why' of the study, providing a critical analysis of the literature, and highlighting how the research fills gaps or contributes to the field.