Literature Reviews: Steps in the Process

1) Identify your topic (e.g., using your 50-word statement of a significant issue);

2) Design your search strategy (include indexes, search terms, and time period);

3) “Problematize” your topic (i.e., write three sentences which characterize the topic as a knowledge void or theoretical conflict);

4) Write analytical abstracts of your readings (use this structured, analytical framework); and

5) Summarize the variables related to your topic (e.g., see this example as a model).

Revised: 12 January 2014; Created: 5 October 2011