The Role of Literature Review in Dissertation Writing

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THE ROLE OF LITERATURE REVIEW IN DISSERTATION
WRITING
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Introduction to Literature Review
A literature review is a critical summary and
evaluation of existing research relevant to a
dissertation topic. It involves analyzing
scholarly articles, books, and other credible
sources to provide context and background for the
study. The primary purpose of a literature review
is to establish the theoretical foundation of the
research, identify gaps in existing studies, and
highlight key methodologies and findings. By
reviewing prior research, students can better
understand their subject area, refine their
research questions, and justify the significance
of their study. A well-structured literature
review not only strengthens the credibility of
the dissertation but also helps in developing a
coherent argument supported by established
knowledge.
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Importance of Literature Review in Dissertation
The literature review plays a crucial role in
dissertation writing as it lays the groundwork
for the entire research process. It helps
students establish a strong foundation by
critically examining previous studies and
theories related to their topic. One of its key
benefits is identifying research gaps, which
allows students to position their work as a
valuable contribution to the field. Additionally,
a well-conducted literature review ensures that
the dissertation is built upon credible sources,
avoiding redundancy and providing new insights.
It also aids in refining the research objectives
by highlighting key themes, methodologies, and
findings from previous studies. Ultimately, the
literature review strengthens the overall
argument, ensuring that the dissertation is both
relevant and academically rigorous.
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Steps to Conduct an Effective Literature Review

• Define the research scope and objectives.
• Gather relevant sources from scholarly journals,
  books, and databases.
• Critically evaluate and categorize sources.
• Identify gaps and trends in the existing
  literature.
• Synthesize findings and connect them to your
  research question.

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Overwhelming amount of information Use citation
  management tools (Zotero, EndNote).
• Lack of relevance Stay focused on your research
  question.
• Difficulty in critical analysis Compare and
  contrast different perspectives.
• Plagiarism risks Properly cite all sources using
  APA, MLA, or Harvard referencing styles.

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Conclusion Final Tips

• The literature review shapes the foundation of a
  strong dissertation.
• Stay organized, use credible sources, and
  critically analyze the literature.
• Always keep the review connected to your research
  objectives.
• Seek expert guidance if needed to refine your
  review.

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