Literature reviews
A literature review is an evaluative account of the existing literature on a research topic or area of study. Literature reviews involve two key components
- searching the literature widely and efficiently
- critical review or appraisal of the literature found in the search.
Searching the existing literature on a research topic requires the use of a range of skills including search strategies, database searching and the evaluation and management of the information.
For help with searching the Library's resources refer to the Library's series of Online training, including Strategies for searching databases
Resources
Learning Connection Resources
Literature
review (PDF)
Defines literature reviews and describes key aspects.
Developed by Andrea Duff, Learning Advisor, Learning Connection
Literature
review checklist (PDF)
A useful list of activities to follow in writing a literature review.
Developed by Andrea Duff, Learning Advisor, Learning Connection
For help with Writing the Literature review refer to Learning Connection's online workshop on Research Writing
Websites
Literature
review (opens in new window) Charles Darwin University
Defines literature review and links to useful resources including websites
and books on literature reviews.
Literature
review (opens in new window) RMIT University
Outlines the whys and steps involved in conducting a literature review and
provides a bibliography of resources.
The
literature review (opens in new window) Deakin University
Defines literature review and provides a bibliography of resources on literature
reviews.
Conducting
a Literature Review (opens in new window) University of Melbourne
Topics covered include finding information and keeping track of it, critical
reading and the structure of a literature review.
PhD Information - Literature review (opens in new window) The University of Queensland
The
Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It (opens in new window) University of Toronto
Covers things to ask yourself and things to ask about books and articles when
conducting a literature review
Books
Fink, Arlene 1998, Conducting research literature reviews :
from paper to the Internet, Thousand Oaks, California
Held at City West and Magill Campuses Call
No: 001.42 F499
Kumar, Ranjit 1996, Research
Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners, Longman Australia, Melbourne
Held at all campuses Call
No: 001.4 K96 (Note: Mawson Lakes, Magill and Whyalla copies currently in High Demand Collection)
Leedy, Paul D & Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis 2005 Practical
research: planning and design, Merrill Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J.
Held at Mawson Lakes, City West and City East campuses Call
No: 001.42 L484.8 (Note: Mawson Lakes currently in High Demand Collection)