Writing the Literature Review: Synthesis, Not Summary

A literature review surveys and critically analyzes scholarly sources on a specific topic. It involves synthesizing information to show current knowledge, debates, and research gaps, not just summarizing texts. This skill is vital for academic research.

My first literature review attempt involved summarizing articles individually. My professor noted the lack of synthesis – I hadn’t shown how studies related or built a coherent field overview. This guide provides steps to move from summarizing to synthesizing sources effectively.

1

Understand Purpose and Scope

It’s a critical evaluation, not just summaries.

Understand what a literature review is and its goal in your assignment (e.g., standalone paper, part of a thesis).

What a Literature Review IS:

A Synthesis: Combines sources into a coherent overview.
An Evaluation: Critically assesses existing research.
An Argument: Makes a point about the field’s direction, debates, or gaps.
A Foundation: Provides context for your research question.

What a Literature Review IS NOT:

An Annotated Bibliography: Integrates sources thematically, doesn’t just list them. See our annotated bibliographies guide.
A Summary Paper: Analyzes and compares studies, doesn’t just describe them.
A Collection of Quotes: Requires your voice to synthesize sources.

Purpose Varies by Context

Standalone: Comprehensive overview for unfamiliar readers.
Proposal/Thesis: Justify study by identifying literature gaps.
Article Intro: Establish context and significance of research.

Clarify assignment expectations with your instructor.

2

Choose and Refine Topic/Question

A focused scope makes the review manageable.

Your review needs a clear focus. A broad topic leads to a superficial overview.

Start Broad, Then Narrow

Begin with a general interest, then narrow it systematically:

Broad: Social media’s impact on teenagers.
Narrower: Social media’s impact on teenage mental health.
Specific: Relationship between Instagram use and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls.

Preliminary reading helps identify key issues.

Define Your Scope

Consider search parameters:

Time Frame: Recent research or historical view?
Geography/Population: Specific region or group?
Disciplines: One field or multiple?
Study Types: Empirical only, or theoretical too?

Defining scope manages the research process.

Formulate a Guiding Question

A central question helps guide reading and synthesis. Examples:

“What key theories explain [Topic]?”
“What methods investigate [Problem], and what are their limits?”
“What are major agreements/disagreements regarding [Issue]?”

3

Search Literature & Evaluate Sources

Find relevant, credible sources.

Find scholarly literature relevant to your focused topic.

Develop Search Terms

Identify key concepts. Brainstorm synonyms. Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).

Example: “Instagram” OR “social media”, AND “body image” OR “body dissatisfaction”, AND “adolescent” OR “teenager”.

Use Academic Databases

Search library databases:

General: JSTOR, ProQuest, Google Scholar.
Subject-Specific: PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, SocINDEX.

Ask a librarian for help identifying the best databases.

Track Sources

Keep detailed records. Use citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley) early.

Evaluate Sources

Critically assess each source:

Relevance: Directly address topic?
Authority: Author credentials? Peer-reviewed journal?
Timeliness: Current? Foundational works still relevant?
Objectivity: Balanced perspective? Sound methodology?
Contribution: Significant finding or unique perspective?

Select credible, relevant sources. Prioritize peer-reviewed articles and books.

4

Analyze and Synthesize Literature

Connect ideas across sources.

Synthesis involves identifying connections between sources and organizing them around themes, not just summarizing each one.

Read Critically, Take Notes

Ask analytical questions as you read:

Main argument/finding?
Methodology strengths/limits?
Theoretical framework?
Relation to other sources (support, contradict, extend)?
Key concepts defined?
Limitations/future research suggestions?

Use a matrix to organize notes by source and theme.

Identify Themes, Patterns, Debates

Look for recurring ideas, findings, or approaches. Group sources discussing similar concepts. Identify points of agreement and disagreement.

Example Theme: Methods for studying social media impact.
Example Debate: Social comparison vs. idealized images as drivers of body dissatisfaction.

Identify Research Gaps

What remains unanswered? Which populations/contexts are unstudied? Are there methodological limits? Gaps justify further research.

Develop Your Argument

Form your perspective on the literature. Your review needs an overarching point about trends, debates, or new directions. This guides organization. University of Toronto Writing Advice emphasizes making an argument through synthesis.

5

Structure Your Literature Review

Organize your synthesis logically.

A well-structured review is easy to follow. Most include:

Introduction

Define general topic/issue.
Note trends or conflicts in literature.
Establish your reason for the review and criteria used.
State the review’s scope.
Provide a structural roadmap.

Body Paragraphs (Thematic)

Synthesize sources here. Organize by themes, debates, methods, or chronology – not source-by-source. Each paragraph should:

Focus on a specific theme.
Discuss how sources contribute to that theme.
Compare and contrast findings/perspectives.
Critically evaluate research if appropriate.
Use transition sentences for smooth flow.

Example: For Instagram/body image review, themes could be: (1) Social Comparison Theory, (2) Idealized Imagery Impact, (3) Peer Interaction Role, (4) Methodological Limits.

Conclusion

Summarize main findings/trends.
Restate topic’s significance.
Highlight major debates.
Point out key research gaps.
Suggest future research directions (link to your own research if applicable).

6

Write Clearly and Cite Accurately

Use an academic voice and credit sources.

Maintain Academic Tone

Use formal, objective language. Avoid slang and casual phrasing. Analyze research, don’t just describe.

Use Topic Sentences and Transitions

Start paragraphs with clear topic sentences. Use transition words (“however,” “furthermore”) for smooth flow.

Synthesize, Don’t Summarize

Show relationships between sources. Instead of “Smith found X. Jones found Y,” try “While Smith highlighted X, Jones offered a contrasting view…”

Cite Meticulously

Accurate citation is crucial. Follow the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago) consistently. Failure to cite is plagiarism. Need help? See our citation style guide.

Proofread Thoroughly

Errors undermine credibility. Check grammar, spelling, punctuation. Ensure clarity and correct formatting.

Common Literature Review Pitfalls

Avoid these frequent mistakes.

Lack of Focus: Scope too broad, leading to superficiality.
Summary vs. Synthesis: Organizing by source instead of theme.
No Clear Argument: Lacks a central point about the literature.
Lack of Critical Evaluation: Accepting sources without considering limits/biases.
Insufficient Coverage: Missing key studies.
Outdated Sources: Not incorporating recent developments.
Plagiarism/Improper Citation: Failing to credit sources.
Poor Organization: Lack of structure and transitions.

Awareness helps improve your review. Our writing services ensure structure and analysis.

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Mastering the Literature Review

An effective literature review requires planning, research, analysis, and synthesis. It’s a foundational academic skill. Use this guide to structure your process and create a review showing your understanding, always maintaining academic integrity.

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How to Write a Literature Review