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Research Club: Literature Review

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What Is a Literature Review?

A literature review is intended to provide an overview of the previous research that has been done on a topic. This research then serves as the basis for you to develop your own hypothesis. A primary reason for conducting a literature review is to ensure that your hypothesis or thesis has not already been completed. This page will provide more information and techniques to guide you through the process of conducting your own literature review. 

Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review

Marco Puatasso, in Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review, sets out some practical guidelines for the literature review:

  1. Define a topic and audience
  2. Search and re-search the literature
  3. Take notes while reading
  4. Choose the type of review you wish to write
  5. Keep the review focused, but make it of broad interest
  6. Be critical and consistent
  7. Find a logical structure
  8. Make use of feedback
  9. Include your own relevant research, but be objective
  10. Be up-to-date, but do not forget older studies

Pautasso, M. (2013, July). Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review. PLoS Computational Biology. pp. 1-4. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149.