Literature reviews

A literature review is not based on your own data but is an overview of literature review that is organised a little differently than a scientific paper. The summary, introduction, discussion, acknowledgments and references sections are included but materials and methods are (as a rule) not, and instead of the Results heading, you use headings and sub-headings that fit the content you summarise.

Keep the introduction very short, usually at most 1/3 page, and provide only a brief background to the problem itself and why it is an interesting topic to refer to.

In the discussion, discuss the results you have summarised, put them into a larger context. Personal reflections may be appropriate here. References are cited continuously as described above.

Format your tables, figures and the reference list according to Appendices, tables and figures and Citing your sources in the text.

Back to the Guide to written and oral communication