A literature review is a piece of academic writing demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the academic literature on a specific topic. In writing a literature review, students are expected to summarise and analyse previous research, identify areas of controversy and contested claims, and highlight any gaps that may exist in research to date.
Word count: 1500 +/- 10% of the total word count.
Writing Guideline:
Study title Introduction
• Give a broad introduction to the topic. Include relevant background information and definitions of the relevant terms and concepts.
• Explain the importance of the topic. Why is the topic area important, interesting or problematic?
• Describe the scope of the review (The key points which will be included in the body of the
review). Search Strategy
• Databases? Keywords? Language? Timeframe? Any special inclusion & exclusion criteria? Literature review
• Group similar findings together and create themes (sub-headings) which will assist you in forming a logical structure and keep you focused on the research aim. Each theme should deal with a specific aspect of the literature.
• Provide a description of the key findings under each theme (e.g. study purpose, location, researchdesign,andsample size).
• Are there any points of disagreement between the different literature sources? Knowledge gap(s)
• Identify knowledge gap(s) from the literature review.
• Are there any weak areas in the literature?
• What can be proposed to extend existing knowledge?
Conclusion
• Highlight the key points discussed in the earlier sections of the literature review.
• What is left to explore and how does it link with your proposed study?
• What can be proposed to extend existing knowledge?
References
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Marking Criteria:
• Study topic is clearly stated.
• Clearly introduce the background and key concepts involved in the topic area.
• Clearly state the search strategy taken to conduct the literature search.
• Provide an excellent overview of the literature. Important findings and study details are sufficiently
discussed.
• Summarize the literature in organized themes, demonstrates logical sequencing and structure.
• Thoughtfully discuss the similarities, differences, and limitations from the literature.
• Identify knowledge gap(s) based on the literature review. Create arguments to support the need of
extending existing knowledge.
• Clearly conclude the key points addressed in the literature review and able to create linkage with the
proposed study.
• Included at least 18 sources from academic journals. Use of relevant and updated evidence and correct
format of APA referencing. Demonstrate consistency between the reference list and the in-text citations.