Tasks on writing a dissertation literature review can be more complicated than students first think. They often do not afford sufficient time to completing this assignment in a diligent manner. If you have been tasked with this project and do not have the means to hire a tutor or custom dissertation writing service to help you, then following these steps will go a long way in helping you to succeed.
Recycled information
Something you need to know about a literature review is that is your interpretation of existing information (books, articles, documents, etc). Your job in writing one is to take relative sources and organize them in a way that you can understand better. The next step from here is to relay that information in your own words to the person who will read your review.
Structure
Unless otherwise instructed by your professor, use the following order to organize your paper:
- Introduction; complete with definition of your topic, a reason for the review and an overview of the literature you are reviewing.
- Main content; discuss the overall theme of the topic, the scope of your general subject and the focus of your particular topic in relation to that subject.
- Conclusion; sum up the pertinent points of the review and what implications they bring to the area of study. You can also make suggestions for further study.
No contributions necessary
In taking existing information and restructuring it to suit your purpose, you will not be permitted to add your opinion. No new information is needed on your part. Make sure of this when writing a literature review. The information resources that exist are the only means by which you must organize your data.
Watch those quotation marks
Because you are analyzing published information and not creating your own, it can be tempting to flood your review with direct quotes. Avoid this temptation. Your work should be done in your own words as much as possible. Your purpose is to reiterate information in a concise way without copying it directly.