What is a literature review dissertation?

In short, a dissertation literature review provides a critical assessment of the sources (literature) you have gathered and read surrounding your subject area, and then identifies a gap in that literature that your research will attempt to address.

What is the purpose of a literature review in a dissertation?

A literature review surveys scholarly articles, books, dissertations, conference proceedings and other resources which are relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory and provides context for a dissertation by identifying past research.

How many literature reviews should be in a dissertation?

If you are writing a Master’s dissertation, your literature review should probably be around 2-3,000 words, again depending on a wide range of factors. Ask your supervisor! If you are writing an undergraduate dissertation, your literature review will probably be about 2,000 words but the same principle applies: ask!

What does a literature review include?

The literature review is a written overview of major writings and other sources on a selected topic. Sources covered in the review may include scholarly journal articles, books, government reports, Web sites, etc. The literature review provides a description, summary and evaluation of each source.

What makes a good literature review?

A good review does not just summarize the literature, but discusses it critically, identifies methodological problems, and points out research gaps [19]. After having read a review of the literature, a reader should have a rough idea of: the major achievements in the reviewed field, the outstanding research questions.

What are the four major goals of a literature review?

To determine what exists in the scholarly literature. To identify possible gap(s) in the scholarly literature for further research. To inform the research topic, theory (if applicable), and associated methodology. To compare/contrast against findings resulting from the current study.

What are major goals of literature review?

The purpose of a literature review is to: Identify need for additional research (justifying your research) Identify the relationship of works in context of its contribution to the topic and to other works. Place your own research within the context of existing literature making a case for why further study is needed.

Why is a literature review important?

Conducting a literature review is essential for developing a research idea, to consolidate what is already known about a subject and to enable you to identify any knowledge gaps and how your research could contribute to further understanding. This is also important for obtaining funding to support research.

What is meant by literature review?

A literature review is a summary of a subject field that supports the identification of specific research questions. A literature review needs to draw on and evaluate a range of different types of sources including academic and professional journal articles, books, and web-based resources.

What is a critical literature review?

A literature review is a type of critical review in which you analyze and evaluate many sources on a specific topic. The purpose is to provide your reader with an overview of the research that has been done on your topic, and to evaluate the sources you are reviewing.

How do you critically evaluate a literature review?

How to critically evaluate the review of literature in a…Identify areas that needs further work and pinpoint discrepancies in the existing literature.Relate explicitly to current research topic.Classify the existing body of knowledge in reference to what is already proved/known and unknown.Formulate research questions that need to be worked further.

How do you critically review literature examples?

You show your understanding by analysing and then synthesising the information to:Determine what has already been written on a topic.Provide an overview of key concepts.Identify major relationships or patterns.Identify strengths and weaknesses.Identify any gaps in the research.Identify any conflicting evidence.

How do you critically assess something?

To ‘critically evaluate’, you must provide your opinion or verdict on whether an argument, or set of research findings, is accurate. This should be done in as critical a manner as possible. Provide your opinion on the extent to which a statement or research finding is true.

What should a critical evaluation include?

The critical review can be of a book, a chapter or a journal article….Summarypresent the ideas in the original text accurately, ensuring you cover the main question the text attempts to address.discuss the important points, including the evidence the text uses to support the argument, and its conclusion.