ABSTRACT
What is a literature review, and why conduct one? The literature review is an essential part of every research project, whether it is a dissertation, research project, or even a book. Simply put, a literature review is a piece of writing that reviews the key literature on a particular topic. Literature reviews can take many different forms. They can be a formal part of an assessment, a chapter in a dissertation, or a piece of writing on their own. As part of a dissertation, the literature review usually serves a dual purpose. First, it allows the author to read and analyse literature in the field, demonstrating knowledge of the area. Second, through the review of existing literature, the author can show gaps in literature and how their work fills those gaps. This chapter gives practical guidance and tools on how to conduct a literature review.
