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Literature Reviews

This guide will help students learn how to create a literature review for their research papers.

What is a Literature Review?

  • Often a part of a larger academic paper; one chapter of a thesis or dissertation

  • Compilation of information from different peer-reviewed and scholarly articles and books

  • Explains background information; Lays the groundwork for your paper. 

    • Ex. Why is this topic important? What are themes and concepts on this topic?

  • Often background information, defining terms specific to this topic, completed studies, different perspectives from authors in the field, information that helps explain the claim you are trying to make