Literature Review Planner

Plan a literature review in stages. Start with a question, then search, organise and compare sources before you write. Do not invent references: record only sources you have actually found and checked.

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1. Clarify the question

My review question is written in one clear sentence.
I have listed the main concepts in the question.
I have noted what is in scope and what is out of scope.

2. Search systematically

I have listed search terms and synonyms for each concept.
I have recorded the databases and sources searched, and the date.
I have noted how many results each search returned and why sources were kept or excluded.

3. Organise by theme

For each source, I have noted its aim, method, key finding and limitation.
I have grouped sources into themes, rather than summarising them one by one.
I have noted where sources agree, disagree or leave a gap.

4. Plan the writing

My outline moves from the broader topic to the specific gap.
Each section ends with what the evidence means for my question.
I have left time to check every citation against its source.

Category: Research. Also try the Literature Review Planner tool on Study Tools.