A literature review is not a list of summaries. It is an argument about what is known, what is disputed and what is missing.
1. Search systematically
Record your databases, search terms and inclusion criteria. Markers increasingly expect to see this.
2. Organise by theme
Group sources by the questions they address, not by author. A simple table with columns for method, sample and findings makes themes obvious.
3. Compare and evaluate
Within each theme, show where studies agree, where they conflict and why: different samples, methods or definitions.
4. Identify the gap
End by stating what the literature has not resolved. That gap is the justification for your research question.
Use synthesis phrases: “In contrast to…”, “Consistent with…”, “However, these studies did not…”.
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