Literature Survey

A literature survey, also known as a literature review or literature overview, is a critical summary and evaluation of existing research and scholarly works on a specific topic or research question. The purpose of a literature survey is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge in a particular field, identify gaps or controversies, and establish the context for a new research study. Here's a guide on how to conduct a literature survey:

 

Steps in Conducting a Literature Survey:

 

1. Define the Scope:

   • Clearly define the scope and objectives of your literature survey. What specific topic, research question, or problem are you investigating? Establishing clear boundaries will help you focus your search.

2. Search for Relevant Literature:

   • Use academic databases, libraries, and online resources to search for scholarly articles, books, conference papers, and other relevant publications. Key databases include PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, and academic library catalogs.

3. Select Search Keywords:

   • Develop a set of relevant keywords and phrases related to your topic. Use a combination of these keywords to perform systematic searches in databases. Consider synonyms, alternate spellings, and related terms.

4. Filter and Evaluate Sources:

   • Evaluate the relevance and credibility of the sources you find. Consider factors such as the author's credentials, publication venue, peer-review status, and publication date. Filter out irrelevant or low-quality sources.

5. Organize and Summarize:

   • Organize the literature into themes, topics, or categories. Summarize the key findings, methodologies, and conclusions of each source. Note any common trends, patterns, or debates in the literature.

6. Identify Gaps and Controversies:

   • Identify gaps, controversies, or areas where the literature lacks consensus. This is crucial for positioning your own research within the broader context and demonstrating its novelty.

7. Synthesize Information:

   • Synthesize the information from various sources to present a coherent and comprehensive overview of the literature. Highlight connections, disagreements, or trends that emerge across different studies.

8. Provide Critical Analysis:

   • Offer a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of individual studies. Discuss the methodologies used, potential biases, and the generalizability of findings. Consider the limitations of the existing research.

9. Develop a Conceptual Framework:

   • Based on the literature review, develop a conceptual framework that organizes key concepts and relationships relevant to your research. This framework will guide the design and interpretation of your own study.

10. Write the Literature Survey:

    • Structure your literature survey logically, starting with an introduction that defines the scope and purpose. Organize the review thematically or chronologically. End with a conclusion that summarizes the key findings, identifies gaps, and outlines the rationale for your research.

 

Tips for an Effective Literature Survey:

• Be systematic and methodical in your search process.
• Keep detailed notes on each source, including bibliographic information.
• Use citation management tools to organize references.
• Continuously refine and update your literature survey as you progress in your research.

 

A well-conducted literature survey lays the foundation for rigorous and informed research, helping researchers situate their work within the broader scholarly discourse.

 

Thank you.