Purpose of a literature review

The purpose of a literature review is to:

• establish a theoretical framework for your topic / subject area
• define key terms, definitions and terminology
• identify studies, models, case studies etc supporting your topic
• define / establish your area of study, ie your research topic.

The three key points of a literature review

• Tell me what the research says (theory).
• Tell me how the research was carried out (methodology).
• Tell me what is missing, ie the gap that your research intends to fill.

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Researching your topic