The Literature Review of a Dissertation: Writing a Strong Review What is the Literature Review?

The Literature Review of a Dissertation: Writing a Strong Review

What is the Literature Review?

The literature review surveys existing research in your area of study. It helps you establish a theoretical framework and identify gaps in existing research that your dissertation will address.

Why is the Literature Review Important?

  • Establishes Context: The review sets the foundation for your research by showing what has been done before.

  • Identifies Gaps: It highlights areas that have not been thoroughly explored, providing justification for your research.

  • Supports Your Hypothesis: The literature review helps support your research hypotheses or questions by showing the relevance of your study.

Steps to Write the Literature Review

  1. Search for Sources: Identify relevant academic articles, books, and studies.

  2. Analyze and Synthesize: Rather than summarizing each source, analyze and synthesize the findings, comparing and contrasting them.

  3. Identify Gaps: Point out what’s missing in the current research and how your study will fill those gaps.

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