EESC24 Advanced Readings in Environmental Science

A literature review is a survey of everything that has been written about a particular topic, theory, or research question. It may provide the background for larger work, or it may stand on its own. Much more than a simple list of sources, an effective literature review analyzes and synthesizes information about key themes or issues. 

Literature Reviews can usually be organized chronologically (from oldest to most recent) OR topically (grouping studies by subject or theme).

1. To discover what has been written about a topic already
2. To determine what each source contributes to the topic
3. To understand the relationship between the various contributions, identify and (if possible) resolve contradictions, and determine gaps or unanswered questions.

From the Centre for Teaching and Learning's "Writing a Literature Review" - University of Toronto Scarborough - Written by Allyson Skene