The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

REVIEW OF LITERATURE WHAT IS A REVIEW OF LITERATURE? It is not a term paper The purpose of a review is to analyze and critique published works (from varied sources) on a topic Your goal is to define the topic, provide historical perspectives, and to describe the knowledge of the topic (all within the past 5 years) You will; summarize, classify, and compare sources In addition the purpose of the literature review may be the first step in the process of doing scientific research. HOW TO CHOOSE A TOPIC? The topic should relate to your project Be sure that the topic is not too narrow or too broad The first step is to pick a general topic and then to find a few articles on it Read them Your topic may change as you proceed HOW TO CHOOSE SOURCES? You need a minimum of 6 sources