· 7 min read
The most common feedback on literature reviews is "too descriptive". That usually means each paragraph summarises one source. A strong review does something different: it shows how sources relate to each other and to your research question.
Step 1: Define the scope
Write your research question at the top of a page and keep it visible. Decide on time range (for example, the last ten years), the type of sources (peer-reviewed journals, books, reports) and any geographical or industry focus.
Step 2: Search systematically
- Use Google Scholar, your library database and subject databases (for example PubMed, IEEE Xplore, JSTOR, EBSCO).
- Combine keywords with AND / OR, and note which search terms you used. You may need to explain this in a dissertation.
- Check the reference lists of the best papers you find. This is often the fastest way to find key sources.
Step 3: Read with a table
For every source, record: author and year, aim, method, main findings, limitations, and how it relates to your question. A spreadsheet makes patterns visible quickly.
Step 4: Organise by theme, not by author
Look at your table and group sources that discuss the same idea. Your themes become your sections. For example, a review on remote work might have themes like productivity, wellbeing, and management practices.
Step 5: Write with synthesis
Compare these two sentences:
- Descriptive: "Smith (2021) found remote work increased productivity. Patel (2022) found it reduced productivity."
- Synthesised: "Evidence on productivity is mixed: Smith (2021) reports gains in self-directed roles, while Patel (2022) finds declines where collaboration is frequent, suggesting job type moderates the effect."
The second sentence shows understanding, and that's what earns marks.
Step 6: End with the gap
Close the review by stating what the literature hasn't answered yet, and how your research addresses it. This links the review directly to your methodology.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on too few or very old sources
- Quoting long passages instead of paraphrasing and analysing
- Ignoring studies that disagree with your view
- Inconsistent referencing
Need help organising sources or turning notes into a critical review? Our research support team can help you plan and structure it.