A literature review is a study of the existing literature, journal articles, books, reports and other information and evidence published on a given topic. It is a critical and evaluative account of any published work around a research field, including a description and analysis of existing knowledge of the topic, the identification of any gaps in the existing body of knowledge, and - where appropriate - an explanation of how your research might further develop current understanding of the subject.
A literature review is not simply a description or summary of each individual paper. It should instead be structured around the findings of the articles considered, and is therefore an opportunity to identify common themes and issues as well as highlighting opposing arguments.
When you are given an assignment question make sure you fully understand what is being asked on you. Refer to the guidance in your module handbook or lecture slides for further information, or discuss it with your tutors.
1. Identify the 'question' word(s)
You could use the Research your question section of the Skills for Learning website to help you.
2. Identify core concepts/keywords
What is the main focus of the question?
3. Identify synonyms or related terms
Example:
Explore the impact of hydrotherapy on rehabilitation of patients following a stroke
'Explore' is the question word - it's what you have to do
| Topic 1: Hydrotherapy | Topic 2: Rehabilitation | Topic 3: Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| water therapy | recovery | cerebrovascular accident |
| aquatic therapy | walking | CVA |
| pool therapy | balance |
On the next tab you will find tips and tricks to help you develop your search strategy and make your searching more efficient.
Once you have identified your keywords, synonyms and related terms you can start to construct a search strategy.
4. Use search tools
5. Combine terms using AND, OR and NOT
(hydrotherapy OR water therapy) AND (stroke OR cerebrovascular accident)
Most resources have an 'advanced search' feature which can help you to combine your searches.
6. Identify appropriate resources to search
a. Reading lists - are there any core textbooks that your tutors recommend on your topic?
Check your modules in MyBeckett
b. Use Discover to find additional books and eBooks
c. Use Discover to search our ejournals and other subscriptions
d. Use databases to help you focus your results - see the Databases tab of this guide
You can search most databases in exactly the same way, the search screen may just look a bit different.
To help you refine your results and make them more manageable look for limiters such as 'Publication date' or 'Resource type'.
You may want to record the databases you have searched, the search terms you have used and any limits applied - this information highlights that your searching is systematic and methodical, and will be helpful for writing up your methodology (if required).
It's important that you think critically about the sources you want to use in your assignments. Evaluate what you find and make a judgment about whether it is appropriate to be used or if any flaws need identifying in your discussions.
Some research methodologies are more robust and are higher on the hierarchy of evidence.
For more information about referencing, including the full Leeds Beckett Harvard guide - please visit our Referencing & Plagiarism pages.
