What is the specific thesis, problem, or research question that my literature review aims to define?
What type of literature review am I conducting? Am I looking at issues of theory, methodology, policy, quantitative research (e.g. interviews, observations), qualitative research (e.g., studies, surveys, statistics)?
What is the scope of my literature review? What types of publications am I using (e.g., journals, books, government documents)?
What discipline am I working in (e.g. Public Health, Nursing, Kinesiology etc.)?
Has my search for sources been wide enough to ensure that I have found all the relevant material?
Has it been narrow enough to exclude irrelevant material?
Is the number of sources I've used appropriate for the length of my paper (i.e. if your literature review is part of a larger paper or assignment)?
Have I critically analyzed the resources I found?
How will I avoid just listing and summarizing resources? Do I assess them, discussing strengths and weaknesses?
Have I cited and discussed studies contrary to my perspective?
Will the reader find my literature review relevant, appropriate, and or useful?
Have More Questions?
For an in-depth look at strategies for writing literature reviews, see "Literature Review How To" by Librarian, Ahmed Alwan.
