How to Write a Dissertation Literature Review based on UK Academic Paradigm

Writing a literature review for a dissertation is a key step in the completion of a PhD thesis. This section of the dissertation should be critical and well-organized, based on thematic areas, methodological approaches, and key debates. A well-written literature review should be coherent, dynamic, and include gaps in the available literature. The following are tips for writing an effective literature review.

LR is an introductory section of a dissertation

A literature review (LR) is the introductory section of a dissertation. This section will inform the reader about the topic and the objectives of the dissertation. It will also support the student’s hypothesis, methods, and conclusions. Depending on the academic paradigm used by your university, the LR can either be the main body of the dissertation or merely an appendix.

Writing a LR is a time-consuming process. Before moving ahead let’s have an info about dissertation literature review. It is an opportunity to develop proper thought processes and make the correct conclusions about other people’s works. It is also an opportunity for the student to refine their own cognitive abilities. This is the key to a successful LR. A literature review should reflect the student’s own perspective and demonstrate their ability to apply new knowledge.

In a literature review, the student positions themselves as an expert in a particular field. It should discuss the research problem, both in the discipline of investigation and across disciplines. It should also introduce academic paradigms about the topic and explain how the student can advance from their starting points. Excessive personal citations in the LR may indicate a lack of a comprehensive review of the literature.

It should be specific

There are several different types of dissertation literature reviews, which fall under different categories. For example, there are “systematic” reviews, which are the most common, and “informative” reviews, which are less commonly used. While both have their merits, the literature review must be structured according to a certain paradigm. Here are some general guidelines to follow. A literature review should be structured to match the style of the dissertation itself.

The process for writing a literature review varies depending on the discipline, but the general guidelines offered by Webster and Watson (2012) can help. These authors discuss how to identify the topic, define terms and make clear the scope of the study. They also address how to write discussions and conclusions, as well as how to maintain credibility and legitimacy. The tone of the article should be formal, and the use of verbs should be consistent throughout.

It should be explanatory

Most guides on academic writing talk about the introduction and literature review sections together. While the two sections have similar functions, they do have some overlap. The following sections offer tips and advice on how to approach each part of the paper. You will also want to refer to the introduction and literature review sections of previous studies. Regardless of how you structure your section, you should use a form that helps you think critically.

Use a referencing management tool to help you collect your source material. This tool is a great way to create an effective bibliography or reference list. Cite them right online, available in Information Services, is a useful reference guide that shows you how to reference any source. Using this tool may require an EASE log-in. Other useful resources include the Resource List of referencing guides and study skills guides.

It should have a coherent sequence

Like any other academic paper, should contain a critical analysis of the literature pertaining to the subject area. The review should demonstrate how the topic has advanced the field of knowledge or applied existing theories or methods. Before submitting, ensure that you have thoroughly proofread it to make sure that it is error-free. If you cannot afford professional proofreading, you can always use Research Prospect, a really helpful platform and service provider for academic writing.