Literature ReviewFormat
There are also two suggested formats for composing your
literature review.
Format A is used when comparing several studies
that have similar hypothesis but different findings. Each piece
of research is summarized individually. Format A is good for reviews
with a small number of entries; however, this format may confuse
the
audience when used with a large number of reviews because descriptions
of so many studies may get in the way of the analysis. Keep in mind
that each piece of research usually will not receive equal attention
in the review. See an outline of Format A here.
Format B organizes the literature review according to
similarities and differences among research rather than by literature
studied. In a review organized according to Format B, little background
information on the literature being reviewed is given outright. Instead,
it is worked into the body paragraphs of the sections on similarities
and differences. The conclusion then uses these two sections (similarities
and differences) to tie in points of comparison and contrast between
the works. Format B better suits papers that are topically organized.
Format B is outlined here.
The most important thing to remember when organizing
a literature review is that it is not a list summarizing one work
after another. The review should be organized into sections according
to theme that are set apart by subject-related headings.
REVIEW
Which format have you chosen
for your literature review? Why?
Continue to Literature Review: Checklist
Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the
University of Houston-Victoria.
Created 2003 by Candice Chovanec Melzow. |
