Q. What is a literature review, and how do I write a literature review?

A literature review is a summary and synthesis of the published research on a particular topic. It differs from a research paper in that you are reviewing the material and organizing it in a way that illustrates the arguments and viewpoints present in the research of others without adding your own opinion or view.

After you have completed researching your topic, consider how your research materials relate to the topic and to each other (presenting both sides of an argument for example). Then objectively summarize and organize the research to illustrate how it is relevant to the topic without adding your own insight.