A thorough and careful literature review is vital for writing a research paper at any level. Once you have done adequate literature search and review, your research proposal will become extremely easy to write. Always remember the fact that all the things in your research proposal flow from your literature review. The aim of the literature review is to depict the reader (your research head) that you have thoroughly read, have a fine grasp of the main published work, dealing with a particular topic or various questions in your field.
Following mentioned is the importance of a strong literature review:
- Offers comparison for your research findings.
- Helps in working out the ways to answer the questions and the questions which need to be asked.
- Identifies the modes used in earlier researches on the topic
- Provides a current understanding of the subject and its significance to your research.
Tips to follow while writing a literature review:
- Always acknowledge opinions which do not agree with your thesis. This is because ignoring the differing viewpoints will make your argument weaker.
- Make sure that there is a clear link between the evidence which you have discovered and your arguments. Always add a summary at the end of each section.
- To present an outline of the review, include a clear, short introduction. The introduction needs to include the main topics, the order of the arguments and a brief rationale.
- A substantial literature review requires a clean line of argument. Thus, use comments and critical notes for expressing academic opinions.
Consider the tips mentioned above while writing the literature review of your research paper. These points will help you in drafting a significant research proposal.