Literature Review

Ask Yourself These General Questions

• What discipline area are you working in (sociology, psychology)?
• Does your literature review mirror the type of research you are conducting? Is it theoretical, methodological, policy, qualitative (studies) or quantitative (measurable effects of a new procedure) research?
• What type of publications will you be using (books, journals, government documents, statistical data, popular media)?
• How effective was your information gathering? Is the number of sources you plan to use appropriate for the scope of your paper?
• Have you considered and discussed both sides of any debates occurring in your field?
• Have you critically analysed the literature rather than simply summarising and listing?