A literature review gives your readers an idea about your scholarly understanding of the previous work in your research domain. It requires you to justify your work and demonstrate the importance of your research work with respect to the current state of knowledge.
A literature review provides your viewers with an overview of your scholarly knowledge of earlier research in your field of study. You must provide evidence to support your claims and highlight the significance of your research to the state of knowledge at the moment. This is an excellent chance for you to analyse the prior work and address any deficiencies in order to establish a solid basis for your own research.
The significance of a literature review and its involvement in your thesis may also be observed from this source:
A Literature Review's Function | Walden University
It takes a lot of research to write a literature review, so read as many books, articles, and papers as you can about the subject of your doctorate. After completing the first step, you must arrange the pertinent information that was gathered and debate it in light of what you have learned. All of this looks quite tedious now.
It is common to see individuals expressing frustration when tasked with writing a literature review, and this reaction is quite acceptable. However, does it aid in the composition of a review? Of course not. In order to maintain your concentration, it is necessary for you to find ways to make this procedure engaging.
Here are some strategies that can enhance your experience of writing an exceptional literature review.
1. Create a Well-Ordered Summary:
A literature review involves conducting comprehensive research on the subject of investigation in order to acquire expertise in that particular area. Hence, it is crucial for you to create a meticulously organised outline prior to commencing your writing endeavour, as failing to do so may result in a lack of clarity about the conclusion, given the abundance of information at hand. For instance, a literature review needs to have an introduction and a conclusion. Paraphrasing is preferable to using verbatim quotes in these sections. Organise your literature review based on the theme and divide it into distinct headings to transition between different topics. To express your own opinion and indicate whether you agree or disagree with the author, use comparison language.
Take a look at this literature review guide to gain a better comprehension of how to create a well-organized framework for your literature study: Guide for Conducting a Literature Review at HAMNIC Solutions
2. Utilise the Synthesis Matrix:
A synthesis matrix can be highly beneficial for consolidating information from multiple sources into a single location. A synthesis matrix is a structured framework that enables a researcher to categorise and organise the different arguments presented on a particular issue. At the top of the chart, there are sections designated for recording sources, while at the sides of the chart, there are slots for recording the main points of disagreement on the current topic.
You can systematically delineate your whole literature review and maintain a vigilant record of the aspects you have addressed and those that remain unexplored. It significantly streamlines your work and facilitates the process of preparing a literature review in a very structured manner.
For additional information on the application of a synthesis matrix, please refer to the articles "Literature Review using Synthesis Matrix" and "Synthesising various sources".
3. Alter Your Point of View:
Prior to commencing a literature review, it is imperative to alter your writing perspective. You need not perceive it as a hardship to question the purpose of your actions. Indeed, we are aware that it may be perceived as a tedious undertaking, but why not find pleasure in it because it is an unavoidable obligation?
Write it on your own behalf. Periodically engage in self-reflection. What specific information would you like to gather from this review when you read it? Does that seem intriguing to you? Would you maintain your concentration when reading this writing style? Will you appreciate this review from a third-person perspective? Will this be an engaging piece of literature?
Assuming the role of your own critic greatly increases the likelihood of progress. Begin composing a review that meets your own standards of quality, with the intention of eventually crafting an engaging literature review for your thesis.
4. Perform simultaneous reading and writing tasks:
An often seen error in the process of producing a literature review is the tendency for individuals to prioritise reading and accumulating material, leaving the actual writing as a final step. The individuals deplete their energy and concentration during the reading phase, resulting in feelings of exhaustion and overexertion before they commence the actual writing process. In addition, when individuals encounter an empty page following the completion of extensive documentation, they experience a decrease in motivation and feelings of anxiety regarding their ability to compose a lengthy evaluation.
What strategies can be employed to prevent or alleviate this anxiety?
An uncomplicated method is to commence writing in conjunction with reading. When engaging with an article or paper, it is advisable to take notes or create concise bullet points. It will assist you in monitoring both the material you have already read and the material you still need to include in your literature review. Once you begin compiling the review, you will have a guideline to follow instead of starting with a blank piece of paper. This will make it much easier for you to write down all the necessary information.
5. Create a well-structured timeline and adhere to it consistently:
Creating a well-structured schedule is essential for composing a literature review. Avoid becoming trapped in the process and taking a whole year to complete your review instead of only a few weeks. Take a day or two off, look through the internet or other resources to see what helpful information you would need to read, and then create a proper timeline for finishing them while taking notes. This will help you prevent this.
It will greatly benefit you to remain focused and adhere to your goals.
6. Be gentle with yourself:
Indeed, you have correctly perceived the information. Do not be overly critical of oneself. Allocate specific days in your schedule for rest and ensure that you thoroughly unwind on those designated days. There is no need for you to engage in continuous reading and writing activities every hour of the day, every day of the week. In order to maintain optimal functionality, it is necessary for our mind to periodically experience a state of relaxation. Excessive workload can lead to a state of complete inactivity due to burnout.
If you encounter a problem or difficulty, it is advisable to seek assistance from your supervisor, friends, or other available resources. Do not allow your shyness or feelings of shame to prevent you from reaching your goal. As humans, we all require assistance at certain times in our life, therefore do not hesitate to seek help.
7. Analyse Your Understanding Thoroughly:
When composing a review, it is essential to accurately convey the knowledge gained from the existing scholarly publications. Many individuals often resort to cramming material in order to produce a review, resulting in a mere synopsis of the data without actually comprehending or gaining any knowledge from it. They perceive it merely as a perfunctory obligation. That is incorrect.
It is essential to possess a thorough understanding of the subject matter and effectively communicate your comprehension to others. This includes showcasing how your work builds upon previous knowledge and contributes to its advancement. The key of creating a literature review is in its authenticity, and it will greatly enhance your research process.
If you are encountering any challenges when composing or revising your thesis Literature Review, you can access our website for assistance and instruction at the provided link:
HAMNIC Solutions - Comprehensive Research Guidance & Project Support
Please visit our website here to access a wide range of free resources, research templates, and guidelines. If you ever Comprehensive research guidance and project support in writing your research project, review journal, article, or dissertation, our team of professionals is always ready to guide you through your research journey.
