Writing a Dissertation Literature Review - Tips to Consider

Many students struggle to write their undergraduate or master’s dissertation as they are unclear on the concept of the literature review. As it’s not mandatory when writing essays at lower levels the chances are you might not have any knowledge of the literature review.This can make it appear intimidating when compiling one for the first time as an essential part of your dissertation writing.
Below is a short overview of this section of the dissertation and a few vital tips on getting it right.

Literature Review – An Overview
In essence it is a summary of the current literature in the specific field you are researching and where within that your master’s dissertation would fit. It is not merely a list of different authors in various fields and their opinions but also gives an idea of the entire topic - how it currently stands, explaining various bodies of literature which offer multiple perspectives on the most important aspects and discussing how the general consensus has changed or is being challenged of late.

Major Aspects of a Master’s Dissertation Literature Review
 Make your literature review as comprehensive as possible, discussing all the major authors and theorists in the specific field of your dissertation. Mentioning each authorin isolationis not sufficient. Where possible you should relate them to one another and provide a comparative view of different authors. It is better to use subheadings and bullet points in your dissertation to separate and clarify the various areas of theory and the views of each writer. These subheadings might become core areas of the subject you later talk about in your master’s dissertation.

Ideal Length of Literature Review
It is imperative to mention all the primary experts that are considered influential in your specific field and the major areas of criticism revolving around the subject of your dissertation. Nonetheless, you don’t need to add broader theory – try to limit it within the confines of direct relevance to your topic.

For instance, if you are writing on the impact of gadgets on childhood behaviour, include authors who support those thoughts and beliefs. Also include theorists who say that other factors are more influential.However it would be unwise to talk about the impact of gadgets on other areas of society.

Understanding how to write a good literature review is quite an important processing creating a successful master’s dissertation. The above stated guidelines will help you write the best piece and put you on track for the highest marks. Don’t forget to take advantage of dissertation proofreading services if you’re uncertain of your writing skills or knowledge on the topic of your dissertation.