The Quickest Way To Write A First Class Literature Review | IN JUST 5 EASY STEPS

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares tips for writing a literature review quickly and effectively. Key strategies include thorough literature searches using specific keywords and date ranges, active reading with a compare-and-contrast framework, and avoiding editing while writing. Tools like Paper Pal help streamline editing and enhance academic language. The video also covers structuring the review, whether chronologically, thematically, or methodologically, and emphasizes the importance of linking ideas with clear signposting for better flow. By following these methods, writers can save time and produce high-quality, well-structured literature reviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing a literature review can be time-consuming and frustrating, but there are ways to streamline the process and reduce stress.
• 😀 A successful literature review involves a comprehensive search for relevant papers, using a consistent set of 10 keywords and adjusting date ranges.
• 😀 When searching for literature, make sure to prioritize primary research papers over review papers to avoid superficial citations.
• 😀 Using a 'compare and contrast' framework for active reading helps summarize key arguments and identify strengths and weaknesses in research methods.
• 😀 Active reading with a summary log saves time and prevents the need for a second read-through.
• 😀 Do not edit while writing your literature review. Focus on writing first and save editing for later to maintain clarity and avoid distractions.
• 😀 Tools like Paper Pal can help with real-time language and grammar improvements, saving time on editing and ensuring high-quality writing.
• 😀 Structuring your literature review is crucial. Decide whether a chronological, thematic, or methodological structure works best for your topic.
• 😀 A thematic structure, where ideas are grouped and compared, often results in a more engaging and cohesive literature review.
• 😀 Ensure each paragraph starts and ends with a 'link sentence' to create flow and clarity between ideas. These act as signposts for the reader.
• 😀 Signposting throughout the review makes the content more readable, helping your argument flow smoothly and improving your chances of a first-class grade.

Q & A

What is the main challenge in writing a literature review?

The main challenge in writing a literature review is the time-consuming and stressful process of finding, reading, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant literature.

What is the first tip to save time while writing a literature review?

The first tip is to ensure that you thoroughly search for all important papers using a set of 10 specific keywords. You should use different keyword orders, adjust the date range, and focus on primary research papers rather than review papers.

Why is it important to stick to specific keywords when searching for literature?

Sticking to specific keywords helps to narrow down the search to the most relevant papers and ensures that you don’t miss any critical sources. Mixing up the order of the keywords can also bring up different papers.

How can you differentiate between primary research papers and review papers?

Primary research papers present original research findings, while review papers summarize and analyze existing literature on a topic. It's important to focus on primary research for your literature review.

What is a 'Compare and Contrast Framework' and how does it help in writing a literature review?

A 'Compare and Contrast Framework' is a reading summary log that helps actively engage with the literature. By comparing and contrasting authors' arguments, methods, and results, it encourages a deeper critique and understanding of the material, saving time on re-reading and allowing more efficient writing.

What role does 'active reading' play in writing a literature review?

Active reading involves engaging with the text critically as you read, rather than passively absorbing information. It helps to note down key points, methods, limitations, and comparisons between sources, reducing the need for re-reading.

What is the best approach to editing while writing a literature review?

It is best to avoid editing while writing. Editing during writing can disrupt the flow of ideas and waste time. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down, and save editing for later. Using tools like Paper Pal can help with language improvements in real time.

How can Paper Pal help with the writing process?

Paper Pal is an AI tool that provides real-time suggestions for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style as you write. It helps improve the clarity and flow of your academic writing without needing to edit while writing, thus saving time.

What are the three main types of structures for a literature review?

The three main types of literature review structures are chronological (based on the timeline of events or publications), thematic (organized by ideas or themes), and methodological (organized by research methods used in the papers).

Why is it important to think about the structure of your literature review before writing?

It’s important to plan the structure beforehand to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Restructuring your review later can be time-consuming and disrupt the coherence of your arguments.

What are link sentences, and why are they crucial in a literature review?

Link sentences connect paragraphs and ideas within a literature review. They ensure the text flows logically, helping readers follow the arguments and understand the relationship between different points.

What is signposting in academic writing, and how does it benefit a literature review?

Signposting involves using clear sentences at the beginning and end of paragraphs to guide the reader through the text. It helps establish the direction of the argument, improving clarity and making the review feel cohesive and structured.