Literature Review: Introducing the Literature Review

Learn more about the literature review process with titles from Melbourne Polytechnic campus libraries.

The literature review:

• identifies and synthesises the literature on a specific subject
• critically evaluates research results, and the way in which the research was conducted
• can be part of the early stages of a research project, or is sometimes written as a stand-alone document

Completing the literature review will help you to:

• identify a range of views surrounding your subject (for and against, past and present)
• become familiar with the works of influential authors in the subject
• understand conflicting viewpoints that surround the subject
• get to know major works written about the subject
• learn about the theories and concepts that underpin the subject
• examine the research that's already been done in the subject
• gather information about research techniques

The literature review should also give you ideas about:

• areas of the subject that have not yet been fully explored
• opportunities to undertake further research into the subject