Introduction
Chapter 2 of a research paper is arguably one of the most important chapters. This is where you will be laying out the framework and backbone of your research by presenting the literature that currently exists on your topic. Compiling an extensive and well-balanced literature review requires navigating through many different sources and synthesis of key ideas. It is an important foundational chapter that sets the context for your own research study or paper.
In this chapter, you will discuss and synthesize what is already known about the topic based on scholarly sources. You want to paint a picture of the overall landscape of research that currently exists regarding your specific research problem or question. This allows you to show how your own study fits into or adds to the big picture. It also gives credibility to your research by showing you are well-versed in the scholarly conversations surrounding your topic.
This sample chapter 2 aims to provide you with an example format and structure for crafting your own literature review chapter. While all topics and research papers will have unique elements, this sample hits on the key components you want to cover when reviewing relevant literature for your topic.
Sample Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction to the Literature Review
In this section, you want to introduce the purpose and scope of the literature review chapter. State that the goal is to review and synthesize the scholarly literature related to your research topic or question. You may also include a brief roadmap of what will be covered. For example:
“The purpose of this chapter is to review the existing body of scholarly research literature related to (topic/research question). Specifically, this literature review will discuss and synthesize findings from empirical studies on (aspect 1), perspectives on (aspect 2) and debates surrounding (aspect 3) as they relate to the overarching topic. The review will be organized thematically to present a holistic picture of the state of research on this issue.”
This introduction orients the reader to what they will find in this important chapter. It previews the key elements and flow of topics that will be covered.
Thematic literature review
The body of the chapter should present the relevant literature thematically according to common perspectives, findings, or patterns that emerge across studies. Having a logical flow and grouping related studies and ideas together allows for coherent analysis and discussion.
Some potential thematic categories may include:
Theoretical frameworks used in past research
Methodologies employed
Variables or concepts studied
Populations or contexts examined
Trends over time
Debates or inconsistencies in findings
Gaps in the research
Within each theme or section, you will discuss 3-5 key studies. Provide a brief overview of the research (population, methodology, findings). Then analyze and synthesize commonalities and differences between those studies as they relate to the overarching theme. Give an assessment and critique where appropriate.
Make sure to clearly tie each thematic section back to your research topic and question. Show how the individual studies and themes together provide context for the need for your own research. Use transition sentences between paragraphs and sections to ensure coherence.
Evaluate and Identify Gaps
Once you’ve covered the major relevant literature and themes, you will want to provide an evaluative conclusion for this literature review chapter. Discuss any overarching evaluations, criticisms, or debates within the body of research as a whole. Importantly, identify what specific gaps are present in the current literature that your own study aims to address. This shows the purpose and significance of your research.
For example:
“While research provides valuable insight into X, Y, and Z aspects of the topic, there remains a lack of understanding around (gap). Additionally, methodologies have been limited and inconsistent, with few qualitative approaches taken. The current study aims to build upon previous work by utilizing a (method) to explore (gap) from the perspective of (sample/population) in order to gain deeper insight into this underexplored area.”
Conclusion
The conclusion should reiterate the main purpose and goals of the chapter in reviewing what is currently known from scholarly literature regarding the research topic/question. It should also clearly tie it back to the identified gaps that your own study will address. Leave the reader with a solid understanding of how your work fits into and contributes new knowledge to the existing body of research.
Reference Page
Follow the conclusion with a reference list containing full citations for all sources discussed and cited within the chapter in proper style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc). This allows readers to easily locate any work mentioned for further reference.