Our favorite resource for literature reviews was created by The University of Waterloo. First, these modules define what literature reviews are, where they appear, and why they are beneficial. The website talks about discipline-specific writing conventions and the different organizational approaches. Then, it walks writers through the process of composing literature reviews in a highly visual and interactive guide. The images, in particular, can help writers understand the various forms of knowledge gaps. Ultimately, this is a quick but highly beneficial resource that can guide novice writers who are unfamiliar with the conventions of literature reviews.
Tag: Literature Reviews
A matrix is a tool that allows you to quickly compare and contrast multiple sources by placing their aims, methods, and findings in one chart. These tables allow you to see similarities or distinctions in methodologies, limitations, and findings in studies with related aims so you can look at a field more globally to identify a niche to explore, or a new direction to pursue, or a potential knowledge gap. By comparing multiple sources through this method you can quickly identify commonalities and key differences that will allow you to propose a unique thesis or a potential research design for future inquiry. While you do not have to use a matrix to write a literature review, it is a great resource in seeing relationships between studies, and it becomes more essential as you examine more and more sources.
Here is an example of a matrix with common elements; however, the categories of a matrix are usually dependent on the specific discipline, so feel free to adjust this document in a way that best serves your research.
