Introduction
A literature review is an important part of academic research, as it provides a critical analysis of published sources related to a particular topic or research question. Writing a literature review requires careful consideration of the writing style, structure, and formatting, as well as adherence to the guidelines set forth by various writing manuals and guides. (Literature Review; Writing Styles and Manuals)
When writing a literature review, it is important to choose a structure that best suits the purpose and focus of the review. The chronological structure presents the literature in the order in which it was published, while the thematic structure groups the literature into themes or topics. The methodological structure groups the literature by research methods used, and the theoretical structure groups the literature based on theoretical perspectives or frameworks.
Literature Review; Writing Styles and Manuals
A literature review is a critical analysis of published sources related to a particular topic or research question. It involves identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant literature to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the topic.
Writing style in a literature review should be clear, concise, and logical, with a focus on the research question and objectives. The literature review should be written in an objective and analytical tone, avoiding personal opinions and emotions.
Regardless of the chosen structure, it is important to critically analyze and evaluate the literature, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the research. Using a variety of sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and other credible sources, helps to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the topic.
In terms of writing style, a literature review should be clear, concise, and logical, with a focus on the research question and objectives. It should be written in an objective and analytical tone, avoiding personal opinions and emotions.
To ensure that the literature review meets the standards of academic writing, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by various writing manuals and guides, such as the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, the Chicago Manual of Style, the Harvard Referencing Guide, and the Oxford Referencing Guide. These guides provide guidelines for writing and formatting research papers and literature reviews in various disciplines, and they provide instructions for referencing sources using the appropriate citation style and format.
Overall, writing a literature review requires careful attention to writing style, structure, and formatting, as well as adherence to the guidelines set forth by various writing manuals and guides. A well-written literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic or research question, and it is an important part of academic research.
Literature review-writing styles
Writing style is an important aspect of a literature review, as it determines the tone and voice of the review. A literature review should be written in an objective and analytical tone, avoiding personal opinions and emotions. The following are some common writing styles used in literature reviews:
- Formal: This style is characterized by a serious and professional tone. It is often used in academic writing and emphasizes accuracy and precision.
- Informal: This style is characterized by a conversational tone. It is often used in popular writing and emphasizes accessibility and readability.
- Technical: This style is characterized by a specialized vocabulary and technical terminology. It is often used in scientific writing and emphasizes clarity and precision.
- Descriptive: This style is characterized by vivid language and sensory details. It is often used in creative writing and emphasizes imagery and emotion.
When writing a literature review, it is important to choose a writing style that is appropriate for the purpose and audience of the review. The formal style is often used in academic literature reviews, as it emphasizes accuracy, precision, and professionalism. However, the style may vary depending on the field of study, research question, and target audience.
Regardless of the chosen writing style, it is important to maintain an objective and analytical tone, avoiding personal opinions and emotions. The review should be well-organized, concise, and clear, with a focus on the research question and objectives. Additionally, it is important to properly cite and reference all sources used in the review, using the appropriate citation style and format.
Conclusion
literature review is an important part of academic research, and it requires careful consideration of writing style, structure, and formatting, as well as adherence to the guidelines set forth by various writing manuals and guides. The writing style used in a literature review should be objective and analytical, avoiding personal opinions and emotions. The choice of writing style may vary depending on the purpose, audience, and field of study.
The appropriate manual or guide should be chosen to provide guidelines for formatting the literature review, including the structure, headings, and citation style. Proper citation and referencing are important to ensure the literature review is well-organized, properly cited, and meets the standards of academic writing. Overall, a well-written literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic or research question and is an essential component of academic research.