• Analysis and interpretation—discussing the findings and conclusions of pertinent literature.
Literature reviews should comprise the following elements:
• An overview of the subject, issue, or theory under consideration, along with the objectives of the literature review.
• Division of works under review into categories (e.g. those in support of a particular position, those against, and those offering alternative theses entirely).
• Explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from the others.
• Conclusions as to which pieces are best considered in their argument, are most convincing of their opinions, and make the greatest contribution to the understanding and development of their area of research.
In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:
• Provenance—What are the author’s credentials? Are the author’s arguments supported by evidence (e.g. primary historical material, case studies, narratives, statistics, recent scientific findings)?
• Objectivity—Is the author’s perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author’s point?
• Persuasiveness—Which of the author’s theses are most/least convincing?
