Several students have been asking if they can have a model literature review. This is problematic as it could lead to plagiarism. The easy response is that if you want to know how to write / structure a literature review then you just emulate the literature reviews that you see in journal articles!
However, I have put together a guide to a typical structure below. Please remember that the best way to get advice is to send some paragraphs for your tutor to check! I have used a topic relating to digital maps to illustrate the structure – all references are made up!.
Introduction – your review will need an introduction – will be approx. 250 words
- You could start with some statement / statistic relating to the subject. For example:
In the last 10 years there has been an incredible growth in the usage of digital maps, with UK usage being estimated at xxxxx(Stats 2016))
- You could then explain the scope of your literature review – so make it clear what you are going to cover. For example:
This literature review will explore the reasons why there has been such growth in the use of digital maps. The review will also consider the impact on static map production and our ability to navigate.
- The rest of the introduction can be used just to set the scene and identify key definitions. For example:
Academics have different views relating to the definition of digital maps. For example, Jones (2012) defines a digital map as “ xxxxxxxxx” p.20. This is the definition that will be used for this literature review.
- Once you have finished the introduction you then start the literature review. You will probably find it easier if you cover 3-4 themes (sections) in the review. You can use headings to separate these themes – but you do need to have a linking sentence that moves you from one theme to the next. For example, digital maps could have 3 sections – History of digital maps; Impact upon our usage of paper maps; Future of paper maps
History of Digital Maps
Evans (2009) believed that the first digital map application was utilised in xxxx. This first application featured ………… etc.
However, Bunnie & Waffle ( 2014) believed that the roots of digital maps can be found in………
- So in this case, we would explore the history of digital map usage, bringing it up to today. When we have finished this, we can move onto the next theme / section using a linking sentence. For example,
As can be seen above, digital maps are now a major part of our everyday life. However, it is interesting to explore how this has impacted upon our use of paper maps.
Impact on Paper Maps
Over the last 10 years there has been a 25% reduction in the printing of hard copy maps and atlases. (Stats2016). Millie ( 2015) notes that it is inevitable that the use of hard copy maps will continue to decline.
Etc.
- When you have completed all the themes / sections you then write a conclusion. The conclusion should reiterate what you have covered in the review and summarise any key findings. For, example:
Conclusion – will be approx. 150 words
This review has explored the growth of digital map usage and the impact on society. Several authors (e.g. Jones, 2012; Evans, 2009) found that our map reading skills are being adversely affected by our usage of digital maps.
Etc.
References
List of references using Harvard format