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How to conduct a
literature review
First, understand the information cycle:
| If you are unfamiliar with your assigned topic,
don't begin your search looking for research articles in bibliographic databases. Even if
your instructor wants you to use only primary literature or research articles in
your paper, that doesn't mean you can't begin by using other sources. Investing 20 or 30
minutes reviewing background information on your topic may dramatically reduce the time
you spend searching databases. Research articles often have a very
narrow focus and may not provide enough background information for you to be comfortable
with the topic. In addition, there may be hundreds of articles that fall under your topic,
making it difficult to decide how to focus your search. |
| As the diagram on the right illustrates, information has a
life-cycle. Notice that at some time after journal articles are published, the information
from them makes its way into "secondary sources". |
 |
Second, use secondary sources:
Secondary sources include such things as handbooks, encyclopedias,
monographs, and review articles. Secondary sources compact, condense, synthesize, or
integrate the information about a topic that is scattered and fragmented in the primary
literature. In addition they often include bibliographies of
classic or important articles on the topic. Don't forget that other sources
besides databases provide access to the research literature!
- Strategy tip:
- Focus your database search on the period since the publication of your secondary source.
If your source was published two years ago, focus on the research literature from the last
two years.
Don't assume secondary sources are "too old". Many handbooks are
published annually and electronic sources are often updated quarterly or even
continuously. Since science and research often proceed methodically, with occasional
break-through discoveries, it may also be the case that even "old" information
is still very relevant. Don't discount the information found in a secondary source just
because it may be four or five years old.
The fastest and easiest way to get started on a literature review is to ask a reference librarian what sources they have for
background information on your topic.
- Getting started:
- Try our resource
guides.
Finally, look for primary sources (e.g.
research articles):
Because effective database searching is a skill you have to learn, don't hesitate to ask for help. Ask a reference librarian which
database is the most appropriate for your topic. Don't be afraid to ask them for help or
advice on how to search.
Effective database searching is usually a matter of finding the right
combination of search terms. Begin by making a list of important terms or phrases you see
in your secondary sources. Pay special attention to synonyms and word variations: does
your drug or disease have several names (e.g. tylenol/acetaminophen, cancer/neoplasm),
have you considered the various forms of your search terms (therapy, therapies,
therapeutic)? Be sure to discuss these with the librarian.
Understand how to combine terms in the database you are using. For example,
do you understand how to search for the combination of words fracture and
either radius or ulna and either child or boy or girl?
If you don't know, ask for help.
Many databases include special subject-search functions. Ask if that feature
is included in the database you want to search.
- Getting started:
- If you are an inexperienced searcher, go to the library and ask a reference
librarian for help. If you are off-campus, call the reference desk and ask for advice on
database selection and search strategies.
- Try our resource
guides.
- Look for information on search techniques in our "quick tips" guides.
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