Research Guides: SOC 395: Qualitative Research: Writing Literature Reviews

Literature Reviews

Understanding a literature review...

What? Overview /survey of a small body of scholarly research (i.e. books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, etc.) in a particular discipline.
Why? Often a required component of grant and research proposals. They are also a common preface to theses, dissertations, and scholarly articles.
Scope? Determined in large part by your research needs and/or restrictions. (Summary or critical evaluation)

Below is sampling of resources to help you better understand the purpose and structure of literature reviews.

Literature Reviews: an overview for graduate students, NC State Libraries (VIDEO)
This guide provides an overview of how to research and how to pull the information together into a final polished product. It's a nine-minute video, but well worth the time if this is your first literature review.
Write a Literature Review, UC Santa Cruz University Library
This guide breaks down the process and components of a literature review. It includes examples of literature reviews and links to other resources.
The Literature Review, UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
"This handout will explain what literature reviews are and offer insights into the form and construction of literature reviews in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences."--website
Writing a literature review--St. Mary's University, Patrick Library
Get a quick overview to the content and structure of a literature review.
SAMPLE LIT REVIEW
Diem, Sarah, and Bradley W. Carpenter. "Social Justice And Leadership Preparation: Developing A Transformative Curriculum." Planning And Changing 43.1-2 (2012): 96-112. ERIC. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.

Writing in Sociology by Mark Edwards
Call Number: HM569 .E39 2012
ISBN: 9781412914246
Publication Date: 2011-09-21

Search the library catalog and Ebsco eBooks database to find more resources.

Preparing Research Articles by Bruce A. Thyer
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 0195323378
Publication Date: 2008-02-14
A pocket guide to social work research methods