The literature review will usually be a comprehensive analysis of the research area

of interest summarizing and critically analyzing the relevant literature, identifying key
issues and deficiencies in the research field, and establishing an adequate
theoretical framework for the research topic. There should be no factual errors or
incorrect interpretation of the literature. The recommended layout is as follows:

Title page
Index
Introduction
Body of Literature Review
Conclusions, including hypothesis and aims of the research proposal
References

The review should be free of typographical errors with the references appropriately
cited in the text and the reference list. Author date or numbered citations are both
acceptable. References should include the full title and appropriate journal
abbreviation as used in Index Medicus. While the length of the literature review
varies depending on the topic, most reviews would be between 20 and 50 pages
(double spaced A4) with at least 100 references. The inclusion of diagrams or figures
that are relevant to the literature review is encouraged.

What to focus on:

(a) Why is this an important topic

(b) What is know about the topic
(c) What is not known about the topic
(d) Why are some things unknown (a good place for speculation)
(e) Why should the gaps be filled
(f) Which gaps do you propose to fill and why have you chosen them
(g) How do you propose to fill them

Last two may not be appropriate in a stand alone review.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

All papers are just data interpreted as a personal opinion

Dont be a superficial 6 oclock news. Try to be Four Corners.

Doctoral 100-200 references; 200 400 papers read

Masters/Honours 50 100 references 100-200 papers read.

Have a system: endnote linked to actual hard copy

Read every document with a pen and highlighter

Read the best ones twice

Usually each paper only makes 1 -2 points. Write them down.

STITCHING TOGETHER THE REVIEW

Create headings that ought to be covered. Make them specific.

Place 1-2 lines (from the paper) under the correct heading (with citation in endnote)

Sort and resort within headings, creating subheadings as necessary.

Associate contradicting results
Links between topics and subtopics

Link the one-liners together

- revise, think, read, revise, etc, etc.

Put it down for a few days when you get too close to it.

Use peers to read it

Make sure your supervisor reads it AFTER it is in some shape.