Review of the Literature

Printed Page 268

Frequently, instructors ask students to review the body of research related to a given topic or issue and offer conclusions about the topic based on this research. A communications student, for example, might review the literature on gender bias in the hiring of journalists. In addition to describing the available research, the student would offer conclusions uncovered by the research and suggest directions for future research. A review-of-the-literature presentation typically includes the following:

  1. Statement of the topic under review
  2. Description of the available research, including specific points of agreement and disagreement among sources
  3. Evaluation of the usefulness of the research
  4. Conclusions that can be drawn from the research
  5. Suggested directions for future study