When beginning academic research, a common question arises: How long are literature reviews?
Commonly, a literature review occupies 20-40% of the entire thesis, which usually translates to approximately 20-40 pages. Nonetheless, variations might occur depending on the subject matter, the specific discipline, and the guidelines established by your educational institution. In contrast, if the literature review is part of an assignment or a project report, it requires only a few pages.
A literature review scrutinizes the existing body of work related to a particular topic and is foundational to the development of dissertations, research articles, book chapters, conference papers, and more. For students who find this process challenging, it may be tempting to think, “Can someone write a paper for me?” Services do exist to help, but it’s also important to understand how essential literature reviews are in forming your perspective on the topic.
This thorough, succinct, and systematically organized review of the prevailing knowledge landscape offers insights into well-established findings and research methodologies and underscores the gaps that your study seeks to address.
The task of composing a literature review not only enhances your comprehension of the topic of interest but also establishes a solid groundwork for your investigation and contributions to the scholarly field.
Determining the Length of a Thesis and Other Literature Reviews
| Type of a Literature Review | Approximate Length |
| Thesis | 20-40% of the thesis, about 20-40 pages |
| Assignment | Several pages |
| Research Article | Typically one section within the article |
| Book Chapter | Often a significant portion of the chapter |
| Dissertation | Comparable to a thesis, typically constitutes 20-40% of the total length |
| Conference Paper | Generally brief, ranging from a single paragraph to three pages |
The length of a thesis literature review can fluctuate based on the subject, the field of study, and the stipulations of your institution. Generally, it represents 20-40% of the thesis, which could mean about 20-40 pages.
For an assignment-based literature review, a few pages are often sufficient.
It is essential to ensure that your review is comprehensive, succinct, and well-organized, effectively summarizing the existing research, addressing limitations, pinpointing gaps, and proposing directions for future research.
Defining a Literature Review
A literature review critically assesses the research already conducted on a specific topic. It is typically the precursor to any scholarly study and frequently serves as the introduction to a dissertation.
It involves the analysis of pertinent sources like books, journal articles, and other scholarly documents to acquire a thorough understanding of the existing knowledge in your area of interest.
For example, if you’re exploring the effects of social media on the mental health of the younger generation, you would investigate previous research to uncover established findings, methodologies, and unexplored areas.
The goals of a literature review are numerous:
- To understand the established knowledge;
- To provide your readers with an overview of the current knowledge, illustrating where your research fits into the broader context;
- To discover unresolved issues or gaps, thus paving the way for you to add new insights to the field.
Literature review plays a key role in refining your research question and shaping your unique viewpoint.
Steps to Create a Literature Review
Creating a literature review requires several essential steps:
- Framework Development: Initiate by creating a conceptual framework, providing a structured overview of your topic to guide your review.
- Synthesis: Engage in synthesizing the literature by reading, categorizing, and summarizing the content to weave a coherent narrative.
- Analysis: This forms the core of your review. Develop your arguments and provide a critique of the existing literature.
- Conclusion: Sum up your findings, discuss what your analysis implies for the field and point out any limitations in the study.
- Future Research: Propose potential areas for future investigation or policy interventions based on your conclusions.
- Introduction: Draft the introduction at the end. This section should outline the significance of the topic, identify knowledge gaps, and explain your motivation for conducting the review.
- Transparency: Maintain transparency regarding any limitations in your review and the evidence assessed.
Number of Sources Needed in a Literature Review
The number of sources in a literature review can vary widely based on multiple factors:
- the theme of your research;
- the scope of the review;
- the rules set by your educational institution or professor.
Generally, it’s essential to incorporate a diverse array of sources to cover the scholarship surrounding your topic comprehensively.
For something as extensive as a dissertation or thesis, the literature review could include dozens of sources. Conversely, a shorter literature review for a journal article or a standalone project might need fewer references. For example, a PhD thesis literature review could require anywhere from 50 to over 300 sources.
Instead of focusing solely on the number, prioritize ensuring that your literature review offers a thorough, well-rounded exploration of the existing scholarship on your topic. This includes integrating both foundational studies and the latest research and clearly identifying the gaps your work intends to address.
Remember, the caliber of your sources is just as important as their quantity. Your literature review should reflect a deep and critical engagement with a range of scholarly materials, showcasing a profound understanding of your research topic.
Elements of an Excellent Literature Review
An effective literature review for a dissertation or thesis thoroughly surveys the existing research on a specific topic, showcasing your grasp of the current academic discourse in your field.
The length of a literature review can vary depending on the research subject and the academic level. According to the University of Kent, for a PhD thesis, it might extend beyond 20 pages. An annotated bibliography is beneficial in this case.
You are required to distill the essential arguments of each source, emphasizing how they relate to your research objectives. Preference should be given to scholarly sources. Consult your academic advisor regarding the minimum source requirement.
Crucially, your literature review should pinpoint a knowledge gap in the current literature that your study will address. This gap should be clearly articulated in your review, emphasizing the necessity and value of your research. It’s vital that your review offers a holistic view of the existing research landscape and underscores the importance of your investigation.
Attention should be given to maintaining a concise and focused review, which is generally more effective.
Organization is crucial, and including a title page, introduction, and conclusion is advisable.
While there is no strict rule regarding length, your review should provide a solid foundation of knowledge, enabling readers to grasp the scope and intended audience of your research.
Conclusion: How Many Words Should a Literature Review Be?
Literature review length depends on several factors, including the nature of your research, the field of study, and directives from your academic advisor.
Whether for a thesis, dissertation, or research article, crafting a literature review entails a detailed examination of the pertinent scholarship on your topic.
The exact literature review lengths are flexible. They can range from concise overviews in journal articles to extensive coverages in PhD theses spanning 20 pages or more.
The organization of your review—whether thematic, chronological, or methodological—facilitates the summarization and spotlighting of key discoveries within the field.
Ultimately, your literature review should serve as a concise, scholarly amalgamation of your research area, furnishing a thorough knowledge base for your audience and underscoring the importance and validity of your proposed study.
