4.5 Introduction to the Literature Review
Beverley Glass
What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a type of academic writing that provides an overview of existing knowledge in a particular field of research.
A good literature review summarises, analyses, evaluates and synthesises the relevant literature within a particular field of research. It illuminates how knowledge has evolved within the field, highlighting what has already been done, what is generally accepted, what is emerging and what is the current state of thinking on the topic. Additionally, literature reviews identify the gaps in the current knowledge – that is, uninvestigated or under-researched area
What is literature in pharmacy?
- Primary sources include first-hand reports and original creations (diaries, interviews, art) as well as experimental results (from clinical trials, experiments, and scientific discoveries).
- A secondary source reports on or analyses a primary source.
While primary research articles provide a background on their subject by summarising previously conducted research, this typically occurs only in the “Introduction” section of the article. Review articles, however, will summarise previously conducted research throughout the entire paper.
Reading
1. Jesson and Lacey, How to do (or not to do) a critical literature review, Pharmacy Education, June 2006; 6(2): 139–148. Available at https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/103/83
Activity 1️⃣⏰30 Minutes