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How to Do a Literature Review: Note-Taking and Synthesizing

A brief guide on how to do a literature review.

Note-Taking Methods

Now that you have a strong topic and have located the resources you want to use, your next step is to start reading and recording the information that you want to use from each.  There are a variety of ways to take notes.  Listed below are the 5 methods of the note-taking system.  Use the link for each to see a description of each method.

Information That Should Be Noted

Although used for more extensive research such as for a thesis or dissertation,  you may want to follow the guidelines for the eight primary pieces of information that you need to record while taking notes from your reading.  Some of this information will be very helpful in synthesizing your research.

1. Document the citation information that will tell you where to find the source again.  This is information that you will want to have for your references section.

2. Summarize in your own words the author's main points, key findings, and methodology. 

3. Record the questions that the document raises for you.  Of significant importance, this may lead to key analytical points or study redefinition.

4. List any links to other studies or documents.  As a part of the literature search, this can provide a wealth of information.

5. Record verbatim quotes that you find compelling and/or may want to use in writing a research document.

6. Record the author's theoretical framework on what does the author base his theory, study, or thesis.

7. Note what is the author's position? Does he/she agree with the findings? Are they a surprise? Are they similar with other findings in the same topic?  These questions will help you analyze and evaluate the documents at a later literature review stage.

8.  Note any special definitions or new definition unfamiliar to you.

(Literature Review, Pt. 4, Blogs, Colleen L.)

Synthesizing Your Research

Tips to help you synthesize your information before you start writing the review.

Take time to reflect on your research:

  • Think about your research and what you have learned.
  • How does the information fit into your topic?
  • What is the best way to present your findings?
     

Organizing your Research:

  • Organize your research by topic, creating subtopics as needed to connect your research and ideas.
  • Think about what points from each topic you want to include in your literature review.  Now is when you will want to start thinking about what areas you will discuss (or leave out) in your review and what research you will use to support your conclusions.
  • Try to summarize your main points into one or two sentences.  What do you want the reader to attain from each main idea.
  • Create an outline of your literature review.  For each main point, list supporting arguments and resources. Continue as needed for each main point.