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Literature Review: Practical Tips & Best Practices

Scope, search, screen, and synthesise with confidence—turn scattered studies into a compelling argument and a clear research gap.

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Strategic Searches. Critical Synthesis. Clear Gap.

These tips cover the LR lifecycle: scoping questions, database strategy, screening and appraisal, thematic synthesis, theory integration, and reporting aligned to your thesis or journal guidelines.

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Search Strategy Screening Appraisal Synthesis Theory & Gap Reporting

Overview

A strong literature review does three things: maps the field, evaluates evidence, and builds an argument that leads to a specific research gap and rationale for your study.

Scope & Questions

1. Define Scope
  • Population, context, timeframe
  • Key constructs & boundaries
  • Inclusion/exclusion criteria
2. Frame Questions
  • PICOS/PEO templates
  • Conceptual map of variables
  • Operational definitions

Screening & Critical Appraisal

Screening Workflow
  • Title/abstract → full-text
  • Two reviewers when possible
  • Log reasons for exclusion
Quality Assessment
  • Use appropriate tools (CASP, JBI, Cochrane)
  • Rate risk of bias/rigour
  • Capture methods & limitations

Synthesis & Theoretical Lens

Thematic/Conceptual Synthesis
  • Group findings into themes
  • Compare/contrast results
  • Identify patterns & gaps
Integrate Theory
  • Select a suitable framework
  • Define constructs/relations
  • Propose model/hypotheses

Reporting

Structure & Flow
  • From broad context to specific gap
  • Use subheadings & signposting
  • Link sections with transitions
Transparency
  • Document search & screening
  • Summarise appraisal outcomes
  • Discuss limitations & bias
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Quick Checklists

Before You Search
  • Define constructs & boundaries
  • Choose databases & keywords
  • Set inclusion/exclusion criteria
  • Pick a reference manager
Before Submission
  • Flow tells a clear story to a gap
  • Recent & seminal works balanced
  • Theory integrated consistently
  • Search & screening documented

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Frequently Asked Questions

Prioritise the last 5–10 years for recency, but include seminal older works essential to your theory or methods.

Depends on field: Scopus/Web of Science for breadth; PubMed for biomed; IEEE Xplore for engineering; PsycINFO/ERIC for social/education.

Volume varies by topic. Focus on coverage and depth—include enough high-quality studies to support each theme and your gap.

Synthesize by theme or mechanism, not paper-by-paper. Compare findings, methods, and limitations to build a critical narrative.

Sometimes—policies and theses can reduce publication bias. Be transparent and appraise quality carefully.

Systematic reviews follow predefined protocols (search/screen/appraise) with transparency; narrative reviews are more interpretive and flexible.

End each theme with what’s known vs unknown, then converge on a precise, actionable gap aligned with your aims.

Usually yes—it anchors constructs and hypothesised relations, and guides your synthesis and future study design.

Compare contexts, samples, and methods; discuss plausible explanations and identify where more research is needed.

Yes—search optimisation, screening logs, synthesis and theory integration, and journal/thesis-aligned formatting.