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Basics of Social Research

A companion guide for students taking Basics of Social Research at Bluffton University

Literature Reviews

Literature reviews are designed to do two things:

give your readers an overview of sources you have explored while researching a particular topic or idea, and
demonstrate how your research fits into the larger field of study. (from Purdue OWL)

Learn more about literature reviews with these links:

Literature Reviews - Purdue OWL
General guidance for writing literature reviews. Created by the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
Social Work Literature Review Guidelines - Purdue OWL
Literature review help from the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Based on social work research, but useful for all social sciences.
What is a Literature Review - Royal Literary Fund
Describing the literature review in two different ways. From the Royal Literary Fund of London.