sample review of related literature for research paper

Review of Related Literature: Format, Example, & How to Make RRL

A review of related literature is a separate paper or a part of an article that collects and synthesizes discussion on a topic. Its purpose is to show the current state of research on the issue and highlight gaps in existing knowledge. A literature review can be included in a research paper or scholarly article, typically following the introduction and before the research methods section.

This article will clarify the definition, significance, and structure of a review of related literature. You’ll also learn how to organize your literature review and discover ideas for an RRL in different subjects.

🔤 What Is RRL?

• ❗ Significance of Literature Review
• 🔎 How to Search for Literature
• 🧩 Literature Review Structure
• 📋 Format of RRL — APA, MLA, & Others
• ✍️ How to Write an RRL
• 📚 Examples of RRL

🔗 References

A review of related literature (RRL) is a part of the research report that examines significant studies, theories, and concepts published in scholarly sources on a particular topic. An RRL includes 3 main components:

• A short overview and critique of the previous research.
• Similarities and differences between past studies and the current one.
• An explanation of the theoretical frameworks underpinning the research.

❗ Significance of Review of Related Literature

Although the goal of a review of related literature differs depending on the discipline and its intended use, its significance cannot be overstated. Here are some examples of how a review might be beneficial:

• It helps determine knowledge gaps .
• It saves from duplicating research that has already been conducted.
• It provides an overview of various research areas within the discipline.
• It demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the topic.

🔎 How to Perform a Literature Search

Including a description of your search strategy in the literature review section can significantly increase your grade. You can search sources with the following steps:

• Identify search terms . You should specify all the keywords and their synonyms used to look for relevant sources.
• Find an initial pool of sources. Using your search terms, look through the online (libraries and databases) and offline (books and journals) sources related to your topic.  
• Filter the sources by authors’ credentials. It is not possible to discuss all of the sources you have discovered. Instead, use the works of the most notable researchers and authors.  
• Choose the most influential sources. From the remaining references, you should pick those with the most significant contribution to the research area development.  
• Sort out the sources. Your literature search strategy should prioritize new publications over older ones to cover the latest research advancements. 

🧩 Literature Review Structure Example

The majority of literature reviews follow a standard introduction-body-conclusion structure. Let’s look at the RRL structure in detail.

Introduction of Review of Related Literature: Sample

An introduction should clarify the study topic and the depth of the information to be delivered. It should also report the types of sources used. If your literature review is part of a larger research proposal or project, you can combine its introductory paragraph with the opening section of your paper.

Here is a sample introduction to an RRL about cyberbullying:

Bullying has troubled people since the inception of time. However, with contemporary technological advancements, especially social media, bullying has evolved into cyberbullying. Consequently, nowadays, teenagers and adults cannot flee their bullies, which makes them feel lonely and helpless. This literature review will investigate recent studies on cyberbullying.

Sample Review of Related Literature Thesis

A thesis statement should incorporate the central idea of your literature review and the primary supporting elements you discovered in the sources. Thesis statements are typically put at the end of the introductory paragraph. 

Look at a sample thesis of a review of related literature:

This literature review shows that scholars have recently covered the issues of bullies’ motivation, the influence of bullying on victims and aggressors, common cyberbullying techniques, and victims’ coping strategies. However, there is still no agreement on the best practices to tackle cyberbullying.

Literature Review Body Paragraph Example

The main body should provide an overview of the existing research on the issue. Body paragraphs should not just summarize each source but analyze them. You can organize your paragraphs with these 3 elements:

• Claim. Start with a topic sentence linked to your literature review purpose.
• Evidence. Cite relevant information from your chosen sources.
• Discussion. Explain how the cited data reinforces your claim.

Here’s a literature review body paragraph example:

Scholars have examined the link between the aggressor and the victim. Beran et al. (2007) state that students bullied online frequently become cyberbullies themselves. Faucher et al. (2014) confirm this with their findings: they discovered that male and female students began engaging in cyberbullying after being subject to bullying. Hence, one can infer that being a victim of bullying increases one’s probability of becoming a cyberbully.

Review of Related Literature: Conclusion

A conclusion presents a general consensus on the topic. Depending on your literature review purpose, it might include the following:

• Introduction to further research. If you write a literature review as part of a larger research project, you can present your research question in your conclusion.
• Overview of theories. You can summarize critical theories and concepts to help your reader understand the topic better.
• Discussion of the gap. If you identified a research gap in the sources, your conclusion could explain why that gap is significant.

Check out a conclusion example that indicates a research gap:

There is extensive research into bullies’ motivation, the consequences of bullying for victims and aggressors, strategies for bullying, and coping with it. Yet, academics still have not reached a consensus on what to consider the best practices to combat cyberbullying. This question is of great significance due to the critical adverse effects of cyberbullying on victims and harassers.

📋 Format of RRL — APA, MLA, & Others

In this section, we will discuss how to format an RRL according to the most common citation styles: APA, Chicago, MLA, and Harvard.

Writing a literature review using the APA7 style requires the following text formatting:

• When using APA in-text citations , include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses.
• For direct quotations , you must also add the page number. If you use sources without page numbers, such as websites or e-books, include a paragraph number instead.
• When referring to the author’s name in a sentence , you do not need to repeat it at the end of the sentence. Instead, include the year of publication inside the parentheses after their name.
• The reference list should be included at the end of your literature review. It is always alphabetized by the last name of the author (from A to Z), and the lines are indented one-half inch from the left margin of your paper. Do not forget to invert authors’ names (the last name should come first) and include the full titles of journals instead of their abbreviations. If you use an online source, add its URL.

The RRL format in the Chicago style is as follows:

• Author-date . You place your citations in brackets within the text, indicating the name of the author and the year of publication.
• Notes and bibliography . You place your citations in numbered footnotes or endnotes to connect the citation back to the source in the bibliography.
• The reference list, or bibliography , in Chicago style, is at the end of a literature review. The sources are arranged alphabetically and single-spaced. Each bibliography entry begins with the author’s name and the source’s title, followed by publication information, such as the city of publication, the publisher, and the year of publication.

Writing a literature review using the MLA style requires the following text formatting:

• In the MLA format, you can cite a source in the text by indicating the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the citation. If the cited information takes several pages, you need to include all the page numbers.
• The reference list in MLA style is titled “ Works Cited .” In this section, all sources used in the paper should be listed in alphabetical order. Each entry should contain the author, title of the source, title of the journal or a larger volume, other contributors, version, number, publisher, and publication date.

The Harvard style requires you to use the following text formatting for your RRL:

• In-text citations in the Harvard style include the author’s last name and the year of publication. If you are using a direct quote in your literature review, you need to add the page number as well.
• Arrange your list of references alphabetically. Each entry should contain the author’s last name, their initials, the year of publication, the title of the source, and other publication information, like the journal title and issue number or the publisher.

✍️ How to Write Review of Related Literature – Sample

Literature reviews can be organized in many ways depending on what you want to achieve with them. In this section, we will look at 3 examples of how you can write your RRL.

Thematic Literature Review

A thematic literature review is arranged around central themes or issues discussed in the sources. If you have identified some recurring themes in the literature, you can divide your RRL into sections that address various aspects of the topic. For example, if you examine studies on e-learning, you can distinguish such themes as the cost-effectiveness of online learning, the technologies used, and its effectiveness compared to traditional education.

Chronological Literature Review

A chronological literature review is a way to track the development of the topic over time. If you use this method, avoid merely listing and summarizing sources in chronological order. Instead, try to analyze the trends, turning moments, and critical debates that have shaped the field’s path. Also, you can give your interpretation of how and why specific advances occurred.

Methodological Literature Review

A methodological literature review differs from the preceding ones in that it usually doesn’t focus on the sources’ content. Instead, it is concerned with the research methods . So, if your references come from several disciplines or fields employing various research techniques, you can compare the findings and conclusions of different methodologies, for instance:

• empirical vs. theoretical studies;
• qualitative vs. quantitative research.

📚 Examples of Review of Related Literature and Studies

We have prepared a short example of RRL on climate change for you to see how everything works in practice!

Climate change is one of the most important issues nowadays. Based on a variety of facts, it is now clearer than ever that humans are altering the Earth's climate. The atmosphere and oceans have warmed, causing sea level rise, a significant loss of Arctic ice, and other climate-related changes. This literature review provides a thorough summary of research on climate change, focusing on climate change fingerprints and evidence of human influence on the Earth's climate system.

Physical Mechanisms and Evidence of Human Influence

Scientists are convinced that climate change is directly influenced by the emission of greenhouse gases. They have carefully analyzed various climate data and evidence, concluding that the majority of the observed global warming over the past 50 years cannot be explained by natural factors alone. Instead, there is compelling evidence pointing to a significant contribution of human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases (Walker, 2014). For example, based on simple physics calculations, doubled carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere can lead to a global temperature increase of approximately 1 degree Celsius. (Elderfield, 2022). In order to determine the human influence on climate, scientists still have to analyze a lot of natural changes that affect temperature, precipitation, and other components of climate on timeframes ranging from days to decades and beyond.

Fingerprinting Climate Change

Fingerprinting climate change is a useful tool to identify the causes of global warming because different factors leave unique marks on climate records. This is evident when scientists look beyond overall temperature changes and examine how warming is distributed geographically and over time (Watson, 2022). By investigating these climate patterns, scientists can obtain a more complex understanding of the connections between natural climate variability and climate variability caused by human activity.

Modeling Climate Change and Feedback

To accurately predict the consequences of feedback mechanisms, the rate of warming, and regional climate change, scientists can employ sophisticated mathematical models of the atmosphere, ocean, land, and ice (the cryosphere). These models are grounded in well-established physical laws and incorporate the latest scientific understanding of climate-related processes (Shuckburgh, 2013). Although different climate models produce slightly varying projections for future warming, they all will agree that feedback mechanisms play a significant role in amplifying the initial warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. (Meehl, 2019).

In conclusion, the literature on global warming indicates that there are well-understood physical processes that link variations in greenhouse gas concentrations to climate change. In addition, it covers the scientific proof that the rates of these gases in the atmosphere have increased and continue to rise fast. According to the sources, the majority of this recent change is almost definitely caused by greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities. Citizens and governments can alter their energy production methods and consumption patterns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, thus, the magnitude of climate change. By acting now, society can prevent the worst consequences of climate change and build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Have you ever struggled with finding the topic for an RRL in different subjects? Read the following paragraphs to get some ideas!

Nursing Literature Review Example

Many topics in the nursing field require research. For example, you can write a review of literature related to dengue fever . Give a general overview of dengue virus infections, including its clinical symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Another good idea is to review related literature and studies about teenage pregnancy . This review can describe the effectiveness of specific programs for adolescent mothers and their children and summarize recommendations for preventing early pregnancy.

📝 Check out some more valuable examples below:

• Hospital Readmissions: Literature Review .
• Literature Review: Lower Sepsis Mortality Rates .
• Breast Cancer: Literature Review .
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Literature Review .
• PICO for Pressure Ulcers: Literature Review .
• COVID-19 Spread Prevention: Literature Review .
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Literature Review .
• Hypertension Treatment Adherence: Literature Review .
• Neonatal Sepsis Prevention: Literature Review .
• Healthcare-Associated Infections: Literature Review .
• Understaffing in Nursing: Literature Review .

Psychology Literature Review Example

If you look for an RRL topic in psychology , you can write a review of related literature about stress . Summarize scientific evidence about stress stages, side effects, types, or reduction strategies. Or you can write a review of related literature about computer game addiction . In this case, you may concentrate on the neural mechanisms underlying the internet gaming disorder, compare it to other addictions, or evaluate treatment strategies.

A review of related literature about cyberbullying is another interesting option. You can highlight the impact of cyberbullying on undergraduate students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

📝 Look at the examples that we have prepared for you to come up with some more ideas:

• Mindfulness in Counseling: A Literature Review .
• Team-Building Across Cultures: Literature Review .
• Anxiety and Decision Making: Literature Review .
• Literature Review on Depression .
• Literature Review on Narcissism .
• Effects of Depression Among Adolescents .
• Causes and Effects of Anxiety in Children .

Literature Review — Sociology Example

Sociological research poses critical questions about social structures and phenomena. For example, you can write a review of related literature about child labor , exploring cultural beliefs and social norms that normalize the exploitation of children. Or you can create a review of related literature about social media . It can investigate the impact of social media on relationships between adolescents or the role of social networks on immigrants’ acculturation .

📝 You can find some more ideas below!

• Teachers and Students’ Gender-Based Interactions .
• Gender Identity: Biological Perspective and Social Cognitive Theory .
• Gender: Culturally-Prescribed Role or Biological Sex .
• The Influence of Opioid Misuse on Academic Achievement of Veteran Students .
• The Importance of Ethics in Research .
• The Role of Family and Social Network Support in Mental Health .

Education Literature Review Example

For your education studies , you can write a review of related literature about academic performance to determine factors that affect student achievement and highlight research gaps. One more idea is to create a review of related literature on study habits , considering their role in the student’s life and academic outcomes.

You can also evaluate a computerized grading system in a review of related literature to single out its advantages and barriers to implementation. Or you can complete a review of related literature on instructional materials to identify their most common types and effects on student achievement.

📝 Find some inspiration in the examples below:

• Literature Review on Online Learning Challenges From COVID-19 .
• Education, Leadership, and Management: Literature Review .
• Literature Review: Standardized Testing Bias .
• Bullying of Disabled Children in School .
• Interventions and Letter & Sound Recognition: A Literature Review .
• Social-Emotional Skills Program for Preschoolers .
• Effectiveness of Educational Leadership Management Skills .

Business Research Literature Review

If you’re a business student, you can focus on customer satisfaction in your review of related literature. Discuss specific customer satisfaction features and how it is affected by service quality and prices. You can also create a theoretical literature review about consumer buying behavior to evaluate theories that have significantly contributed to understanding how consumers make purchasing decisions.

📝 Look at the examples to get more exciting ideas:

• Human Resource Development: Literature Review .
• Project Management. Literature Review .
• Strategic HRM: A Literature Review .
• Customer Relationship Management: Literature Review .

To conclude, a review of related literature is a significant genre of scholarly works that can be applied in various disciplines and for multiple goals. The sources examined in an RRL provide theoretical frameworks for future studies and help create original research questions and hypotheses.

When you finish your outstanding literature review, don’t forget to check whether it sounds logical and coherent. Our text-to-speech tool can help you with that!

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Review of Related Literature (RRL)

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The Review of Related Literature (RRL) is a crucial section in research that examines existing studies and publications related to a specific topic. It summarizes and synthesizes previous findings, identifies gaps, and provides context for the current research. RRL ensures the research is grounded in established knowledge, guiding the direction and focus of new studies.

What Is Review of Related Literature (RRL)?

The Review of Related Literature (RRL) is a detailed analysis of existing research relevant to a specific topic. It evaluates, synthesizes, and summarizes previous studies to identify trends, gaps, and conflicts in the literature. RRL provides a foundation for new research, ensuring it builds on established knowledge and addresses existing gaps.

Format of Review of Related Literature (RRL)

The Review of Related Literature (RRL) is a critical part of any research paper or thesis . It provides an overview of existing research on your topic and helps to establish the context for your study. Here is a typical format for an RRL:

1. Introduction

• Purpose : Explain the purpose of the review and its importance to your research.
• Scope : Define the scope of the literature reviewed, including the time frame, types of sources, and key themes.

2. Theoretical Framework

• Concepts and Theories : Present the main theories and concepts that underpin your research.
• Relevance : Explain how these theories relate to your study.

3. Review of Empirical Studies

• Sub-theme 1 : Summarize key studies, including methodologies, findings, and conclusions.
• Sub-theme 2 : Continue summarizing studies, focusing on different aspects or variables.
• Sub-theme 3 : Include any additional relevant studies.

4. Methodological Review

• Approaches : Discuss the various methodologies used in the reviewed studies.
• Strengths and Weaknesses : Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies.
• Gaps : Identify gaps in the existing research that your study aims to address.

5. Synthesis and Critique

• Integration : Integrate findings from the reviewed studies to show the current state of knowledge.
• Critique : Critically evaluate the literature, discussing inconsistencies, limitations, and areas for further research.

6. Conclusion

• Summary : Summarize the main findings from the literature review.
• Research Gap : Clearly state the research gap your study will address.
• Contribution : Explain how your study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

7. References

• Citation Style : List all the sources cited in your literature review in the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Review of Related Literature (RRL) 1. Introduction This review examines research on social media’s impact on mental health, focusing on anxiety and depression across various demographics over the past ten years. 2. Theoretical Framework Anchored in Social Comparison Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory, this review explores how individuals’ social media interactions affect their mental health. 3. Review of Empirical Studies Adolescents’ Mental Health Instagram & Body Image : Smith & Johnson (2017) found Instagram use linked to body image issues and lower self-esteem among 500 high school students. Facebook & Anxiety : Brown & Green (2016) showed Facebook use correlated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms in a longitudinal study of 300 students. Young Adults’ Mental Health Twitter & Stress : Davis & Lee (2018) reported higher stress levels among heavy Twitter users in a survey of 400 university students. LinkedIn & Self-Esteem : Miller & White (2019) found LinkedIn use positively influenced professional self-esteem in 200 young professionals. Adult Mental Health General Social Media Use : Thompson & Evans (2020) found moderate social media use associated with better mental health outcomes, while excessive use correlated with higher anxiety and depression in 1,000 adults. 4. Methodological Review Studies used cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal designs, and mixed methods. Cross-sectional surveys provided large data sets but couldn’t infer causation. Longitudinal studies offered insights into long-term effects but were resource-intensive. Mixed methods enriched data through qualitative insights but required careful integration. 5. Synthesis and Critique The literature shows a complex relationship between social media and mental health, with platform-specific and demographic-specific effects. However, reliance on self-reported data introduces bias, and many cross-sectional studies limit causal inference. More longitudinal and experimental research is needed. 6. Conclusion Current research offers insights into social media’s mental health impact but leaves gaps, particularly regarding long-term effects and causation. This study aims to address these gaps through comprehensive longitudinal analysis. 7. References Brown, A., & Green, K. (2016). Facebook Use and Anxiety Among High School Students . Psychology in the Schools, 53(3), 257-264. Davis, R., & Lee, S. (2018). Twitter and Psychological Stress: A Study of University Students . Journal of College Student Development, 59(2), 120-135. Miller, P., & White, H. (2019). LinkedIn and Its Effect on Professional Self-Esteem . Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(1), 78-90. Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2017). The Impact of Instagram on Teen Body Image . Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(5), 555-560. Thompson, M., & Evans, D. (2020). The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Mental Health in Adults . Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(4), 201-208.

Review of Related Literature (RRL) Examples

Review of related literature in research, review of related literature in research paper, review of related literature qualitative research.

Review of Related Literature Quantitative Research

More Review of Related Literature (RRL) Examples

• Impact of E-learning on Student Performance
• Effectiveness of Mindfulness in Workplace
• Green Building and Energy Efficiency
• Impact of Technology on Healthcare Delivery
• Effects of Nutrition on Cognitive Development in Children
• Impact of Employee Training Programs on Productivity
• Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
• Impact of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement
• Effects of Mobile Learning on Student Engagement
• Effects of Urban Green Spaces on Mental Health

Purpose of the Review of Related Literature (RRL)

The Review of Related Literature (RRL) serves several critical purposes in research:

• Establishing Context : It situates your research within the broader field, showing how your study relates to existing work.
• Identifying Gaps : It highlights gaps, inconsistencies, and areas needing further exploration in current knowledge, providing a clear rationale for your study.
• Avoiding Duplication : By reviewing what has already been done, it helps ensure your research is original and not a repetition of existing studies.
• Building on Existing Knowledge : It allows you to build on the findings of previous research, using established theories and methodologies to inform your work.
• Theoretical Foundation : It provides a theoretical basis for your research, grounding it in existing concepts and theories.
• Methodological Insights : It offers insights into the methods and approaches used in similar studies, helping you choose the most appropriate methods for your research.
• Establishing Credibility : It demonstrates your familiarity with the field, showing that you are well-informed and have a solid foundation for your research.
• Supporting Arguments : It provides evidence and support for your research questions, hypotheses, and objectives, strengthening the overall argument of your study.

How to Write Review of Related Literature (RRL)

Writing a Review of Related Literature (RRL) involves several key steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Define the Scope and Objectives

• Determine the Scope : Decide on the breadth of the literature you will review, including specific themes, time frame, and types of sources.
• Set Objectives : Clearly define the purpose of the review. What do you aim to achieve? Identify gaps, establish context, or build on existing knowledge.

2. Search for Relevant Literature

• Identify Keywords : Use keywords and phrases related to your research topic.
• Use Databases : Search academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR, etc., for relevant articles, books, and papers.
• Select Sources : Choose sources that are credible, recent, and relevant to your research.

3. Evaluate and Select the Literature

• Read Abstracts and Summaries : Quickly determine the relevance of each source.
• Assess Quality : Consider the methodology, credibility of the authors, and publication source.
• Select Key Studies : Choose studies that are most relevant to your research questions and objectives.

4. Organize the Literature

• Thematic Organization : Group studies by themes or topics.
• Chronological Organization : Arrange studies in the order they were published to show the development of ideas over time.
• Methodological Organization : Categorize studies by the methods they used.

5. Write the Review

• State the purpose and scope of the review.
• Explain the importance of the topic.
• Theoretical Framework : Present and discuss the main theories and concepts.
• Summarize key studies, including their methodologies, findings, and conclusions.
• Organize by themes or other chosen organizational methods.
• Methodological Review : Discuss the various methodologies used, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
• Synthesis and Critique : Integrate findings, critically evaluate the literature, and identify gaps or inconsistencies.
• Summarize the main findings from the literature review.
• Highlight the research gaps your study will address.
• State how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

6. Cite the Sources

• Use Appropriate Citation Style : Follow the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
• List References : Provide a complete list of all sources cited in your review.

What is an RRL?

An RRL summarizes and synthesizes existing research on a specific topic to identify gaps and guide future studies.

Why is RRL important?

It provides context, highlights gaps, and ensures new research builds on existing knowledge.

How do you write an RRL?

Organize by themes, summarize studies, evaluate methodologies, identify gaps, and conclude with relevance to current research.

What sources are used in RRL?

Peer-reviewed journals, books, conference papers, and credible online resources.

How long should an RRL be?

Length varies; typically 10-20% of the total research paper.

What are common RRL mistakes?

Lack of organization, insufficient synthesis, over-reliance on outdated sources, and failure to identify gaps.

Can an RRL include non-scholarly sources?

Primarily scholarly, but reputable non-scholarly sources can be included for context.

What is the difference between RRL and bibliography?

RRL synthesizes and analyzes the literature, while a bibliography lists sources.

How often should an RRL be updated?

Regularly, especially when new relevant research is published.

Can an RRL influence research direction?

Yes, it identifies gaps and trends that shape the focus and methodology of new research.

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15 Literature Review Examples

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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

Literature reviews are a necessary step in a research process and often required when writing your research proposal . They involve gathering, analyzing, and evaluating existing knowledge about a topic in order to find gaps in the literature where future studies will be needed.

Ideally, once you have completed your literature review, you will be able to identify how your research project can build upon and extend existing knowledge in your area of study.

Generally, for my undergraduate research students, I recommend a narrative review, where themes can be generated in order for the students to develop sufficient understanding of the topic so they can build upon the themes using unique methods or novel research questions.

If you’re in the process of writing a literature review, I have developed a literature review template for you to use – it’s a huge time-saver and walks you through how to write a literature review step-by-step:

Get your time-saving templates here to write your own literature review.

Literature Review Examples

For the following types of literature review, I present an explanation and overview of the type, followed by links to some real-life literature reviews on the topics.

1. Narrative Review Examples

Also known as a traditional literature review, the narrative review provides a broad overview of the studies done on a particular topic.

It often includes both qualitative and quantitative studies and may cover a wide range of years.

The narrative review’s purpose is to identify commonalities, gaps, and contradictions in the literature .

I recommend to my students that they should gather their studies together, take notes on each study, then try to group them by themes that form the basis for the review (see my step-by-step instructions at the end of the article).

Example Study

Title: Communication in healthcare: a narrative review of the literature and practical recommendations

Citation: Vermeir, P., Vandijck, D., Degroote, S., Peleman, R., Verhaeghe, R., Mortier, E., … & Vogelaers, D. (2015). Communication in healthcare: a narrative review of the literature and practical recommendations. International journal of clinical practice , 69 (11), 1257-1267.

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ijcp.12686  

Overview: This narrative review analyzed themes emerging from 69 articles about communication in healthcare contexts. Five key themes were found in the literature: poor communication can lead to various negative outcomes, discontinuity of care, compromise of patient safety, patient dissatisfaction, and inefficient use of resources. After presenting the key themes, the authors recommend that practitioners need to approach healthcare communication in a more structured way, such as by ensuring there is a clear understanding of who is in charge of ensuring effective communication in clinical settings.

Other Examples

• Burnout in United States Healthcare Professionals: A Narrative Review (Reith, 2018) – read here
• Examining the Presence, Consequences, and Reduction of Implicit Bias in Health Care: A Narrative Review (Zestcott, Blair & Stone, 2016) – read here
• A Narrative Review of School-Based Physical Activity for Enhancing Cognition and Learning (Mavilidi et al., 2018) – read here
• A narrative review on burnout experienced by medical students and residents (Dyrbye & Shanafelt, 2015) – read here

2. Systematic Review Examples

This type of literature review is more structured and rigorous than a narrative review. It involves a detailed and comprehensive plan and search strategy derived from a set of specified research questions.

The key way you’d know a systematic review compared to a narrative review is in the methodology: the systematic review will likely have a very clear criteria for how the studies were collected, and clear explanations of exclusion/inclusion criteria. 

The goal is to gather the maximum amount of valid literature on the topic, filter out invalid or low-quality reviews, and minimize bias. Ideally, this will provide more reliable findings, leading to higher-quality conclusions and recommendations for further research.

You may note from the examples below that the ‘method’ sections in systematic reviews tend to be much more explicit, often noting rigid inclusion/exclusion criteria and exact keywords used in searches.

Title: The importance of food naturalness for consumers: Results of a systematic review  

Citation: Roman, S., Sánchez-Siles, L. M., & Siegrist, M. (2017). The importance of food naturalness for consumers: Results of a systematic review. Trends in food science & technology , 67 , 44-57.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092422441730122X  

Overview: This systematic review included 72 studies of food naturalness to explore trends in the literature about its importance for consumers. Keywords used in the data search included: food, naturalness, natural content, and natural ingredients. Studies were included if they examined consumers’ preference for food naturalness and contained empirical data. The authors found that the literature lacks clarity about how naturalness is defined and measured, but also found that food consumption is significantly influenced by perceived naturalness of goods.

• A systematic review of research on online teaching and learning from 2009 to 2018 (Martin, Sun & Westine, 2020) – read here
• Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology? (Yli-Huumo et al., 2016) – read here
• Universities—industry collaboration: A systematic review (Ankrah & Al-Tabbaa, 2015) – read here
• Internet of Things Applications: A Systematic Review (Asghari, Rahmani & Javadi, 2019) – read here

3. Meta-analysis

This is a type of systematic review that uses statistical methods to combine and summarize the results of several studies.

Due to its robust methodology, a meta-analysis is often considered the ‘gold standard’ of secondary research , as it provides a more precise estimate of a treatment effect than any individual study contributing to the pooled analysis.

Furthermore, by aggregating data from a range of studies, a meta-analysis can identify patterns, disagreements, or other interesting relationships that may have been hidden in individual studies.

This helps to enhance the generalizability of findings, making the conclusions drawn from a meta-analysis particularly powerful and informative for policy and practice.

Title: Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk: A Meta-Meta-Analysis

Citation: Sáiz-Vazquez, O., Puente-Martínez, A., Ubillos-Landa, S., Pacheco-Bonrostro, J., & Santabárbara, J. (2020). Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease risk: a meta-meta-analysis. Brain sciences, 10(6), 386.

Source: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060386  

O verview: This study examines the relationship between cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Researchers conducted a systematic search of meta-analyses and reviewed several databases, collecting 100 primary studies and five meta-analyses to analyze the connection between cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease. They find that the literature compellingly demonstrates that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels significantly influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

• The power of feedback revisited: A meta-analysis of educational feedback research (Wisniewski, Zierer & Hattie, 2020) – read here
• How Much Does Education Improve Intelligence? A Meta-Analysis (Ritchie & Tucker-Drob, 2018) – read here
• A meta-analysis of factors related to recycling (Geiger et al., 2019) – read here
• Stress management interventions for police officers and recruits (Patterson, Chung & Swan, 2014) – read here

Other Types of Reviews

• Scoping Review: This type of review is used to map the key concepts underpinning a research area and the main sources and types of evidence available. It can be undertaken as stand-alone projects in their own right, or as a precursor to a systematic review.
• Rapid Review: This type of review accelerates the systematic review process in order to produce information in a timely manner. This is achieved by simplifying or omitting stages of the systematic review process.
• Integrative Review: This review method is more inclusive than others, allowing for the simultaneous inclusion of experimental and non-experimental research. The goal is to more comprehensively understand a particular phenomenon.
• Critical Review: This is similar to a narrative review but requires a robust understanding of both the subject and the existing literature. In a critical review, the reviewer not only summarizes the existing literature, but also evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. This is common in the social sciences and humanities .
• State-of-the-Art Review: This considers the current level of advancement in a field or topic and makes recommendations for future research directions. This type of review is common in technological and scientific fields but can be applied to any discipline.

How to Write a Narrative Review (Tips for Undergrad Students)

Most undergraduate students conducting a capstone research project will be writing narrative reviews. Below is a five-step process for conducting a simple review of the literature for your project.

• Search for Relevant Literature: Use scholarly databases related to your field of study, provided by your university library, along with appropriate search terms to identify key scholarly articles that have been published on your topic.
• Evaluate and Select Sources: Filter the source list by selecting studies that are directly relevant and of sufficient quality, considering factors like credibility , objectivity, accuracy, and validity.
• Analyze and Synthesize: Review each source and summarize the main arguments  in one paragraph (or more, for postgrad). Keep these summaries in a table.
• Identify Themes: With all studies summarized, group studies that share common themes, such as studies that have similar findings or methodologies.
• Write the Review: Write your review based upon the themes or subtopics you have identified. Give a thorough overview of each theme, integrating source data, and conclude with a summary of the current state of knowledge then suggestions for future research based upon your evaluation of what is lacking in the literature.

Literature reviews don’t have to be as scary as they seem. Yes, they are difficult and require a strong degree of comprehension of academic studies. But it can be feasibly done through following a structured approach to data collection and analysis. With my undergraduate research students (who tend to conduct small-scale qualitative studies ), I encourage them to conduct a narrative literature review whereby they can identify key themes in the literature. Within each theme, students can critique key studies and their strengths and limitations , in order to get a lay of the land and come to a point where they can identify ways to contribute new insights to the existing academic conversation on their topic.

Ankrah, S., & Omar, A. T. (2015). Universities–industry collaboration: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 31(3), 387-408.

Asghari, P., Rahmani, A. M., & Javadi, H. H. S. (2019). Internet of Things applications: A systematic review. Computer Networks , 148 , 241-261.

Dyrbye, L., & Shanafelt, T. (2016). A narrative review on burnout experienced by medical students and residents. Medical education , 50 (1), 132-149.

Geiger, J. L., Steg, L., Van Der Werff, E., & Ünal, A. B. (2019). A meta-analysis of factors related to recycling. Journal of environmental psychology , 64 , 78-97.

Martin, F., Sun, T., & Westine, C. D. (2020). A systematic review of research on online teaching and learning from 2009 to 2018. Computers & education , 159 , 104009.

Mavilidi, M. F., Ruiter, M., Schmidt, M., Okely, A. D., Loyens, S., Chandler, P., & Paas, F. (2018). A narrative review of school-based physical activity for enhancing cognition and learning: The importance of relevancy and integration. Frontiers in psychology , 2079.

Patterson, G. T., Chung, I. W., & Swan, P. W. (2014). Stress management interventions for police officers and recruits: A meta-analysis. Journal of experimental criminology , 10 , 487-513.

Reith, T. P. (2018). Burnout in United States healthcare professionals: a narrative review. Cureus , 10 (12).

Ritchie, S. J., & Tucker-Drob, E. M. (2018). How much does education improve intelligence? A meta-analysis. Psychological science , 29 (8), 1358-1369.

Roman, S., Sánchez-Siles, L. M., & Siegrist, M. (2017). The importance of food naturalness for consumers: Results of a systematic review. Trends in food science & technology , 67 , 44-57.

Sáiz-Vazquez, O., Puente-Martínez, A., Ubillos-Landa, S., Pacheco-Bonrostro, J., & Santabárbara, J. (2020). Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease risk: a meta-meta-analysis. Brain sciences, 10(6), 386.

Vermeir, P., Vandijck, D., Degroote, S., Peleman, R., Verhaeghe, R., Mortier, E., … & Vogelaers, D. (2015). Communication in healthcare: a narrative review of the literature and practical recommendations. International journal of clinical practice , 69 (11), 1257-1267.

Wisniewski, B., Zierer, K., & Hattie, J. (2020). The power of feedback revisited: A meta-analysis of educational feedback research. Frontiers in Psychology , 10 , 3087.

Yli-Huumo, J., Ko, D., Choi, S., Park, S., & Smolander, K. (2016). Where is current research on blockchain technology?—a systematic review. PloS one , 11 (10), e0163477.

Zestcott, C. A., Blair, I. V., & Stone, J. (2016). Examining the presence, consequences, and reduction of implicit bias in health care: a narrative review. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations , 19 (4), 528-542

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Writing a Literature Review

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A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis ). The lit review is an important genre in many disciplines, not just literature (i.e., the study of works of literature such as novels and plays). When we say “literature review” or refer to “the literature,” we are talking about the research ( scholarship ) in a given field. You will often see the terms “the research,” “the scholarship,” and “the literature” used mostly interchangeably.

Where, when, and why would I write a lit review?

There are a number of different situations where you might write a literature review, each with slightly different expectations; different disciplines, too, have field-specific expectations for what a literature review is and does. For instance, in the humanities, authors might include more overt argumentation and interpretation of source material in their literature reviews, whereas in the sciences, authors are more likely to report study designs and results in their literature reviews; these differences reflect these disciplines’ purposes and conventions in scholarship. You should always look at examples from your own discipline and talk to professors or mentors in your field to be sure you understand your discipline’s conventions, for literature reviews as well as for any other genre.

A literature review can be a part of a research paper or scholarly article, usually falling after the introduction and before the research methods sections. In these cases, the lit review just needs to cover scholarship that is important to the issue you are writing about; sometimes it will also cover key sources that informed your research methodology.

Lit reviews can also be standalone pieces, either as assignments in a class or as publications. In a class, a lit review may be assigned to help students familiarize themselves with a topic and with scholarship in their field, get an idea of the other researchers working on the topic they’re interested in, find gaps in existing research in order to propose new projects, and/or develop a theoretical framework and methodology for later research. As a publication, a lit review usually is meant to help make other scholars’ lives easier by collecting and summarizing, synthesizing, and analyzing existing research on a topic. This can be especially helpful for students or scholars getting into a new research area, or for directing an entire community of scholars toward questions that have not yet been answered.

What are the parts of a lit review?

Most lit reviews use a basic introduction-body-conclusion structure; if your lit review is part of a larger paper, the introduction and conclusion pieces may be just a few sentences while you focus most of your attention on the body. If your lit review is a standalone piece, the introduction and conclusion take up more space and give you a place to discuss your goals, research methods, and conclusions separately from where you discuss the literature itself.

Introduction:

• An introductory paragraph that explains what your working topic and thesis is
• A forecast of key topics or texts that will appear in the review
• Potentially, a description of how you found sources and how you analyzed them for inclusion and discussion in the review (more often found in published, standalone literature reviews than in lit review sections in an article or research paper)
• Summarize and synthesize: Give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole
• Analyze and interpret: Don’t just paraphrase other researchers – add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
• Critically Evaluate: Mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
• Write in well-structured paragraphs: Use transition words and topic sentence to draw connections, comparisons, and contrasts.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance
• Connect it back to your primary research question

How should I organize my lit review?

Lit reviews can take many different organizational patterns depending on what you are trying to accomplish with the review. Here are some examples:

• Chronological : The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time, which helps familiarize the audience with the topic (for instance if you are introducing something that is not commonly known in your field). If you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order. Try to analyze the patterns, turning points, and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred (as mentioned previously, this may not be appropriate in your discipline — check with a teacher or mentor if you’re unsure).
• Thematic : If you have found some recurring central themes that you will continue working with throughout your piece, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic. For example, if you are reviewing literature about women and religion, key themes can include the role of women in churches and the religious attitude towards women.
• Qualitative versus quantitative research
• Empirical versus theoretical scholarship
• Divide the research by sociological, historical, or cultural sources
• Theoretical : In many humanities articles, the literature review is the foundation for the theoretical framework. You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts. You can argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach or combine various theorical concepts to create a framework for your research.

What are some strategies or tips I can use while writing my lit review?

Any lit review is only as good as the research it discusses; make sure your sources are well-chosen and your research is thorough. Don’t be afraid to do more research if you discover a new thread as you’re writing. More info on the research process is available in our "Conducting Research" resources .

As you’re doing your research, create an annotated bibliography ( see our page on the this type of document ). Much of the information used in an annotated bibliography can be used also in a literature review, so you’ll be not only partially drafting your lit review as you research, but also developing your sense of the larger conversation going on among scholars, professionals, and any other stakeholders in your topic.

Usually you will need to synthesize research rather than just summarizing it. This means drawing connections between sources to create a picture of the scholarly conversation on a topic over time. Many student writers struggle to synthesize because they feel they don’t have anything to add to the scholars they are citing; here are some strategies to help you:

• It often helps to remember that the point of these kinds of syntheses is to show your readers how you understand your research, to help them read the rest of your paper.
• Writing teachers often say synthesis is like hosting a dinner party: imagine all your sources are together in a room, discussing your topic. What are they saying to each other?
• Look at the in-text citations in each paragraph. Are you citing just one source for each paragraph? This usually indicates summary only. When you have multiple sources cited in a paragraph, you are more likely to be synthesizing them (not always, but often
• Read more about synthesis here.

The most interesting literature reviews are often written as arguments (again, as mentioned at the beginning of the page, this is discipline-specific and doesn’t work for all situations). Often, the literature review is where you can establish your research as filling a particular gap or as relevant in a particular way. You have some chance to do this in your introduction in an article, but the literature review section gives a more extended opportunity to establish the conversation in the way you would like your readers to see it. You can choose the intellectual lineage you would like to be part of and whose definitions matter most to your thinking (mostly humanities-specific, but this goes for sciences as well). In addressing these points, you argue for your place in the conversation, which tends to make the lit review more compelling than a simple reporting of other sources.

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Top 20 Literature Review Examples

Struggling with writing a literature review? Our guide provides multiple examples of literature reviews across different fields to help you understand the structure and nuances of this crucial component of research.

If you’re new to academic writing, you may find the idea of writing a literature review daunting. A literature review is a critical component of most research papers, theses, and dissertations. It involves summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing existing research to provide a foundation for your own work. To help you understand this process better, we've compiled multiple examples of literature reviews from different fields and contexts. This guide will not only show you what a literature review looks like but will also provide tips for writing your own.

What Is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a comprehensive overview of the existing research on a particular topic. It typically surveys scholarly articles, books, and other credible sources to identify gaps, trends, and key arguments in the field. The purpose of a literature review is to demonstrate your understanding of the topic and to position your own research within the context of existing scholarship. Unlike a simple summary, a literature review provides critical analysis, demonstrates relationships between works, and often identifies areas for future research.

A good literature review not only synthesizes current research but also provides a critical framework that justifies the necessity of your research project. It’s about engaging deeply with the literature to show that you understand the complexities and nuances of your field. This engagement helps lay a solid foundation for your research objectives, creating a context that supports your hypothesis or research questions.

Why Are Literature Reviews Important?

Literature reviews are crucial because they provide context for your own research, showing where it fits within the existing body of knowledge. They help identify what has already been discovered, what questions remain unanswered, and how your research can contribute to the field. By synthesizing previous work, you lay the groundwork for the originality and significance of your own study.

Moreover, a literature review helps to establish credibility. It demonstrates that you are well-versed in the relevant literature and that you are capable of understanding and analyzing existing research critically. This is particularly important for convincing your audience—whether they are your professors, peers, or other researchers—of the validity and value of your work. A well-constructed literature review highlights your scholarly diligence and sets the stage for your contribution to the ongoing academic conversation.

Example 1: Literature Review in Psychology

Consider a literature review for a research paper on the impact of mindfulness on reducing anxiety. In this example, the author starts by summarizing foundational research on mindfulness practices, citing key studies that show how mindfulness reduces stress. Then, they move on to analyze recent findings that specifically target anxiety disorders. The author identifies a gap in the research: while there are numerous studies on general stress reduction, fewer studies focus on mindfulness and its impact on different types of anxiety. This literature review effectively highlights both well-established findings and areas where further research is needed.

The author also categorizes the literature into themes—mindfulness as a general wellness practice versus mindfulness targeted specifically at clinical anxiety. This thematic organization helps readers quickly understand the nuances between different applications of mindfulness. Furthermore, the author discusses methodological differences between studies, such as sample size and duration of mindfulness interventions, which adds depth to the analysis and provides a more rounded understanding of the current research landscape.

Example 2: Literature Review in Business Management

A literature review in business management might focus on leadership styles and their impact on employee productivity. The author begins by outlining different leadership theories such as transformational, transactional, and servant leadership. The review then examines existing studies that link these leadership styles to employee satisfaction and productivity metrics. A critical analysis is provided, suggesting that while transformational leadership is often associated with high productivity, there is still debate about its effectiveness across different cultural contexts. The author uses this debate as a basis for proposing their own research question, which seeks to explore the relationship between leadership styles and employee productivity in non-Western countries.

In addition, the author includes a subsection on leadership styles in the digital age, discussing how virtual teams and remote work environments challenge traditional leadership paradigms. This perspective helps highlight the evolving nature of leadership and adds an extra layer of relevance by connecting classical leadership theories to modern organizational challenges. The author also identifies inconsistencies in the literature, such as conflicting findings regarding which style is most effective in high-stress environments, thus setting up the importance of further research.

Example 3: Literature Review in Medicine

For a literature review in the field of medicine, let’s look at a study focused on the effectiveness of telemedicine in rural healthcare settings. The author summarizes existing literature on telemedicine, including studies that highlight its benefits—such as increased access to healthcare and cost efficiency. The review also presents findings that discuss the challenges of telemedicine, such as technology barriers and privacy concerns. The author synthesizes these perspectives to demonstrate that while telemedicine offers promise for rural healthcare, further studies are needed to understand its long-term impact on patient outcomes. This literature review is structured to identify both the strengths and challenges in current research, setting the stage for further exploration.

Additionally, the author discusses the role of policy and government initiatives in supporting telemedicine, providing context on how regulations affect the adoption and efficacy of telemedicine practices. By incorporating this broader socio-political context, the author adds depth to the analysis, emphasizing that the success of telemedicine is not just about technology but also about institutional and regulatory frameworks. The literature review ends with a section on future research directions, suggesting that longitudinal studies are necessary to assess patient outcomes over extended periods, which is a critical gap identified in the current body of research.

Example 4: Literature Review in Education

In an education-based literature review, the focus might be on the impact of technology in the classroom. The author starts by covering historical perspectives on educational technology, then moves on to discuss the evolution of tools like smartboards, learning management systems, and tablets. A significant part of the review involves analyzing the effectiveness of these technologies on student learning outcomes. The author contrasts studies that show positive results with those that point out limitations, such as reduced social interaction and technology dependence. By presenting both sides, the author provides a balanced view, ultimately highlighting the need for more nuanced research into the types of technology that contribute most effectively to different learning environments.

The author also categorizes the literature by age groups—examining the impact of technology in early childhood education, primary school, and higher education. This breakdown allows for a more targeted analysis, as the impact of technology can vary significantly depending on the developmental stage of the students. The author also integrates perspectives from educators, students, and parents, providing a comprehensive look at how different stakeholders view educational technology, thereby enriching the analysis and pointing out areas for further inquiry.

Example 5: Literature Review in Environmental Science

A literature review in environmental science might explore the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. The author begins by summarizing foundational studies on climate change, highlighting the major effects on sea levels and temperature changes. Then, they analyze specific studies focusing on coastal regions, pointing out the increased frequency of extreme weather events and their consequences on marine biodiversity. The author categorizes the studies into subtopics such as coral reef degradation, changes in fish populations, and the socio-economic impacts on coastal communities. The literature review emphasizes the importance of both mitigation and adaptation strategies and calls for more research into localized solutions to climate impacts.

Example 6: Literature Review in Sociology

In sociology, a literature review might examine the relationship between social media use and mental health among teenagers. The author starts by summarizing studies that explore different aspects of social media, including both its positive impacts (e.g., social connectedness) and negative outcomes (e.g., anxiety and depression). The review synthesizes findings by categorizing studies into those that focus on frequency of use, type of content consumed, and peer interactions. The author critically discusses conflicting results—some studies show positive social outcomes, while others link heavy social media use to increased feelings of loneliness. By highlighting these inconsistencies, the author sets up a strong case for their research question, which seeks to clarify under what conditions social media has a positive or negative impact.

Example 7: Literature Review in Political Science

A literature review in political science could focus on the effectiveness of international sanctions. The author starts by discussing the historical context of sanctions, reviewing examples from major international conflicts. The literature is then organized by theme, such as economic sanctions, diplomatic sanctions, and their impact on civilian populations. The author identifies the challenges of measuring the effectiveness of sanctions due to political biases and varying methodologies. The review points out that while sanctions can pressure governments, they often have unintended consequences for ordinary citizens, leading to a discussion on the ethical implications. The author uses this to propose further research into alternative diplomatic tools.

Example 8: Literature Review in Public Health

In public health, a literature review might examine the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in increasing immunization rates in underserved populations. The author begins by summarizing foundational public health theories related to immunization and community health. They then present studies on specific vaccination campaigns, noting differences in approaches such as door-to-door outreach versus community center initiatives. The review also considers barriers like vaccine misinformation, accessibility issues, and socio-cultural resistance. The author identifies successful strategies, such as involving local community leaders, and suggests areas for further research, including the role of digital platforms in spreading accurate health information.

Example 9: Literature Review in Economics

A literature review in economics might explore the concept of universal basic income (UBI) and its potential impact on poverty alleviation. The author starts by summarizing theoretical frameworks behind UBI, including Keynesian and libertarian perspectives. Then, they evaluate empirical studies from different countries that have piloted UBI programs, such as Finland and Kenya. The review highlights the positive outcomes, such as reduced financial stress and increased entrepreneurship, but also addresses concerns about inflation and work disincentives. The author identifies a gap in the literature regarding the long-term socio-economic effects of UBI and suggests that further longitudinal studies are needed.

Example 10: Literature Review in Engineering

In an engineering context, a literature review might focus on advancements in renewable energy storage solutions. The author reviews various technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and thermal storage. Each section provides an overview of the technology, its current applications, and challenges. The author also compares the efficiency and scalability of each solution, pointing out the trade-offs in terms of cost, safety, and environmental impact. By highlighting the need for improved energy storage to support renewable power grids, the author makes a case for future research into hybrid storage systems that combine the strengths of multiple technologies.

Example 11: Literature Review in Anthropology

A literature review in anthropology might investigate the cultural implications of globalization on indigenous communities. The author begins by reviewing early theories of globalization and their predicted effects on cultural identity. Then, they present specific case studies from various regions, such as the Amazon and Southeast Asia, to illustrate the real-world impact on traditional practices and languages. The review highlights both the resilience of certain communities and the challenges they face, such as loss of land and cultural commodification. The author concludes by calling for more participatory research methods that involve indigenous voices directly.

Example 12: Literature Review in Linguistics

In a linguistics literature review, the focus might be on language acquisition in bilingual children. The author summarizes foundational research in language development theories, such as Chomsky's theory of innate grammar versus behaviorist models. They then present recent studies that examine how bilingual children navigate multiple languages at home and in school settings. The author highlights differences in cognitive development, social factors, and the effects of simultaneous versus sequential bilingualism. This review points out gaps in the research, particularly the need for longitudinal studies to understand long-term academic outcomes for bilingual children.

Example 13: Literature Review in Environmental Policy

A literature review in environmental policy could focus on carbon pricing mechanisms as a tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The author begins by reviewing economic theories related to carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems. They then analyze real-world examples, such as carbon pricing initiatives in the European Union and British Columbia. The review discusses both successes and challenges, including economic impacts on industries and the effectiveness in reducing emissions. The author suggests that future research should explore hybrid models that combine regulatory and market-based approaches to improve policy outcomes.

Example 14: Literature Review in Computer Science

In computer science, a literature review might explore the evolution of machine learning algorithms for natural language processing (NLP). The author starts by summarizing the development of early NLP models, such as rule-based systems, and transitions into modern deep learning approaches. The review categorizes algorithms into supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning methods, analyzing their respective advantages and limitations. The author also addresses ethical concerns regarding biases in language models and calls for more research into fair and transparent AI development practices.

Example 15: Literature Review in Urban Studies

A literature review in urban studies might explore the phenomenon of urban gentrification and its impact on local communities. The author begins by providing a historical overview of gentrification and reviewing early theoretical frameworks, such as rent gap theory. Then, they present case studies from cities like New York, London, and Berlin to highlight the social and economic effects on displaced residents. The author contrasts perspectives that see gentrification as a driver of economic revitalization with those that view it as a source of inequality. The review concludes by identifying a need for more community-centered research to understand the long-term social implications of urban redevelopment.

Example 16: Literature Review in Philosophy

A literature review in philosophy could focus on ethical theories related to artificial intelligence. The author begins by outlining classical ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and discusses how these theories apply to AI. The review then examines contemporary debates, such as the moral implications of autonomous decision-making and the responsibilities of AI developers. By exploring both philosophical arguments and practical considerations, the author highlights gaps in current ethical guidelines and calls for interdisciplinary research to address the unique challenges posed by AI.

Example 17: Literature Review in Criminal Justice

A literature review in criminal justice could focus on the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for reducing recidivism among offenders. The author begins by presenting an overview of different rehabilitation strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), vocational training, and restorative justice programs. The review categorizes studies by the type of offender, such as juvenile versus adult, and discusses the varying success rates. The author identifies a gap in longitudinal studies examining the long-term success of rehabilitation, proposing future research to explore how these programs impact offenders years after release.

Example 18: Literature Review in Nutrition Science

A literature review in nutrition science might examine the role of plant-based diets in preventing chronic diseases. The author starts by summarizing foundational research on the health benefits of plant-based eating, such as reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The review then discusses recent studies comparing plant-based diets to omnivorous diets in terms of nutrient intake and overall health outcomes. The author highlights methodological variations, such as differences in dietary definitions, and suggests further research into the role of supplementation in plant-based diets to ensure nutritional adequacy.

Example 19: Literature Review in Marketing

A literature review in marketing might explore the impact of influencer endorsements on consumer purchasing behavior. The author begins by reviewing early studies on celebrity endorsements and their influence on brand perception. The review then transitions to modern social media influencers, comparing their effectiveness to that of traditional celebrities. The author categorizes studies based on different factors, such as the type of product, audience demographics, and platform used. The review points out a gap in the literature related to the ethical implications of influencer marketing, suggesting further research into transparency and consumer trust.

Example 20: Literature Review in History

In a history-based literature review, the focus could be on the causes of the Industrial Revolution. The author starts by reviewing various theories, including economic, technological, and cultural explanations. The literature is organized by different schools of thought, such as Marxist interpretations, which emphasize economic factors, versus cultural historians who focus on shifts in societal values. The author also presents case studies from different countries, comparing how the Industrial Revolution unfolded in Britain, France, and Germany. This comparative analysis reveals inconsistencies in existing theories and suggests a need for a more integrated approach to understanding the multiple causes of this transformative period.

Tips for Writing Your Own Literature Review

• Define Your Scope : Clearly define the scope of your literature review. What are you trying to cover, and what are the boundaries of your topic? Be specific to avoid overwhelming yourself with too much material.
• Organize by Theme : Instead of summarizing each source chronologically, group your literature by themes or trends. This helps to create a more cohesive narrative and makes it easier for readers to follow your argument.
• Synthesize, Don’t Summarize : Go beyond simply summarizing the studies—synthesize them by comparing, contrasting, and connecting different sources. Show how the research interacts, where it agrees, and where it diverges.
• Highlight Gaps : Identify areas where more research is needed. This shows your understanding of the field and justifies your own research. Pointing out gaps also demonstrates that your research has a unique contribution to make.
• Use Credible Sources : Always use reputable academic sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books by experts in the field, and official reports. Credible sources strengthen your argument and add validity to your review.
• Be Critical, Not Just Descriptive : A good literature review involves critical analysis. Question methodologies, identify biases, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each study. This critical approach will make your review more engaging and informative.
• Keep It Organized : Use headings and subheadings to keep your literature review well-structured. A well-organized review is easier to follow and helps emphasize the relationships between different pieces of literature.
• Take Notes and Summarize Key Points : During the research phase, make detailed notes and summarize the key findings of each source. This will make it easier to identify connections and gaps in the literature when you start writing.
• Use Direct Quotes Sparingly : While quoting sources can be effective, use direct quotes sparingly. Instead, paraphrase the content and provide your interpretation or analysis. This will make your literature review more original and will better showcase your understanding of the material.
• Incorporate Contrasting Perspectives : Including differing viewpoints makes your literature review more comprehensive. When appropriate, address contrasting theories or studies that challenge your own perspective. Analyzing these opposing views will add depth to your review and demonstrate critical thinking.
• Establish Relationships Between Studies : Highlight connections between studies by showing how one piece of research builds on or refines another. This helps create a storyline for your literature review and illustrates the development of knowledge within your topic.
• Limit Scope Creep : It's easy to get sidetracked while researching. Stay focused on your specific research questions and avoid expanding your scope too broadly. Limiting scope creep ensures that your literature review remains concise and coherent.
• Summarize Each Section : At the end of each major section, provide a brief summary that ties together the points you’ve discussed. This will help to reinforce the main themes and make it easier for readers to follow your overall argument.
• Use Visual Aids Where Applicable : If possible, include tables, charts, or concept maps to organize and summarize key findings visually. This can make your literature review more engaging and help convey complex relationships more clearly.
• Revise and Edit Thoroughly : Writing a literature review is an iterative process. After your first draft, revisit your review to refine the flow, strengthen connections, and improve clarity. Pay attention to consistency in your writing style and ensure that each section logically builds on the previous one.

Final Thoughts

A well-written literature review is more than just a summary of existing work—it’s a critical analysis that provides context for your research and helps position it within the broader academic landscape. By examining these examples and understanding how they are structured, you can gain valuable insights into how to write a literature review that is both informative and engaging. Remember, the key is to create a narrative that ties together different pieces of research while demonstrating your unique contribution to the topic.

Whether you are writing a literature review in psychology, business, medicine, or education, these examples should give you a solid foundation. The more practice you get in analyzing and synthesizing existing research, the better equipped you will be to produce high-quality academic work. Always aim for depth, critical engagement, and clarity, as these elements will make your literature review a strong backbone for your research.

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Literature Reviews

• General overview of Literature Reviews
• What should a Literature Review include?
• Examples of Literature Reviews
• Research - Getting Started

Online Resources

• CWU Learning Commons: Writing Resources
• Purdue OWL: Writing a Literature Review

Literature Reviews Examples

Social Sciences examples

• Psychology study In this example, the literature review can be found on pages 1086-1089, stopping at the section labeled "Aims and Hypotheses".
• Law and Justice study In this example, the literature review can be found on pages 431-449, stopping at the section labeled "Identifying and Evaluating the Impacts of the Prisoners' Rights Movement". This article uses a historical literature review approach.
• Anthropology study The literature review in this article runs from page 218 at the heading "Between Critique and Enchantment" and ends on page 221 before the heading "The Imagination as a Dimension of Reality".

Hard Science examples

• Physics article The literature review in this paper can be found in the Introduction section, ending at the section titled "Experimental procedure".
• Health Science article The literature review in this article is located at the beginning, before the Methods section.

Arts and Humanities examples

• Composition paper In this example, the literature review has its own dedicated section titled "Literature Review" on pages 2-3.
• Political geography paper The literature review in this paper is located in the introduction section.

Standalone Literature Review examples

• Project-based learning: A review of the literature
• Mental health and gender dysphoria: A review of the literature
• Academic engagement and commercialisation: A review of the literature on university–industry relations
• << Previous: What should a Literature Review include?
• Next: Research - Getting Started >>
• Last Updated: Sep 18, 2024 9:14 AM
• URL: https://libguides.lib.cwu.edu/LiteratureReviews

Literature Review Guide: Examples of Literature Reviews

• What is a Literature Review?
• How to start?
• Picking your research question and searching
• Search strategies and Databases
• How to organise the review
• Examples of Literature Reviews
• Library summary

All good quality journal articles will include a small Literature Review after the Introduction paragraph.  It may not be called a Literature Review but gives you an idea of how one is created in miniature.

Sample Literature Reviews as part of a articles or Theses

• Hackett, G and Melia, D . The hotel as the holiday/stay destination:trends and innovations. Presented at TRIC Conference, Belfast, Ireland- June 2012 and EuroCHRIE Conference

Links to sample Literature Reviews from other libraries

• Sample literature reviews from University of West Florida

Irish Theses

• Phillips, Martin (2015) European airline performance: a data envelopment analysis with extrapolations based on model outputs. Master of Business Studies thesis, Dublin City University.
• The customers’ perception of servicescape’s influence on their behaviours, in the food retail industry : Dublin Business School 2015
• Coughlan, Ray (2015) What was the role of leadership in the transformation of a failing Irish Insurance business. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
• << Previous: How to organise the review
• Next: Library summary >>
• Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 3:37 PM
• URL: https://ait.libguides.com/literaturereview