sample literature review for nursing students

Nursing Literature Review Example: Research Guides and Tips

Introduction

A nursing literature review is a crucial component of academic research in the field of nursing. It involves a comprehensive and systematic examination of the existing body of literature relevant to a specific research question or topic.

The nursing literature review serves as the foundation for understanding the current state of knowledge, identifying gaps in the research, and guiding the development of a research study. By critically analyzing and synthesizing the scholarly literature, nursing professionals and students can gain valuable insights into the latest trends, best practices, and emerging issues in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide nursing students and professionals with research tips, formatting guidelines, and nursing literature review examples to help you navigate the process effectively.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a detailed analysis and synthesis of the scholarly literature related to a specific topic or research question. It involves the collection, evaluation, and integration of research studies, articles, and other relevant sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge in a particular field. In the context of nursing, a nursing literature review is a crucial component of the research process, as it helps to identify the gaps in the research, highlight the key concepts, and provide a solid foundation for the research methodology .

Literature Reviews vs Systematic Reviews

While literature reviews and systematic reviews are both types of research articles, they differ in their approach and scope. A literature review typically provides a broad overview of the existing research studies, whereas a systematic review follows a more structured and comprehensive methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all available evidence on a specific research question. For example, a literature review on the “Factors Influencing Nursing Turnover” may provide a general summary of the research on this topic, while a systematic review on the same topic would follow a rigorous protocol to systematically search, select, and analyze all relevant studies to draw more definitive conclusions.

Synthesizing the Literature

One of the key aspects of a nursing literature review is the ability to synthesize the research findings from multiple sources. This involves identifying the main ideas, patterns, and relationships among the literature, and then integrating them into a cohesive and meaningful narrative. For example, when reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for hypertension management, the researcher might identify common themes such as the importance of patient education , the role of nurse-led care coordination, and the impact of organizational factors on the success of these interventions.

Key Questions for a Literature Review

When conducting a nursing literature review, it is important to consider the following key questions:

• What is the specific research question or topic being addressed?
• What are the main concepts and theories related to the topic?
• What are the gaps in the existing research?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research studies reviewed?
• How do the research findings relate to the nursing practice and patient outcomes?

Steps for Writing a Literature Review

• Start with your research question: Clearly define the research question or topic that will guide your literature review. For example, “What is the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in acute care settings?”
• Search the literature: Utilize relevant databases (e.g., CINAHL , PubMed, Cochrane Library) to retrieve and select the research studies and articles that are relevant to your research question. Use a combination of keywords, subject terms, and boolean operators to conduct a comprehensive literature search.
• Read & evaluate: Carefully read and evaluate the quality of the research studies, considering factors such as methodology, sample size, statistical analysis, and potential biases. Use an evidence matrix to organize the key information and facilitate the synthesis of the literature.
• Finalize results: Organize the research studies into themes or categories, and synthesize the findings to identify patterns, gaps, and contradictions in the literature. This step involves analyzing and comparing the different perspectives and research approaches represented in the literature.
• Write & revise: Compose a clear and well-structured literature review that presents the key findings, discusses the implications for nursing practice, and suggests areas for future research. Revise your writing to ensure that it is cohesive, well-supported, and effectively communicates the significance of your literature review.

Format of a Literature Review

A nursing literature review typically follows a standardized format that includes the following sections:

• Introduction: Provide an overview of the research question or topic, the importance of the literature review, and the structure of the review. This section should engage the reader and set the stage for the literature review .
• Body: Organize the review into sections or themes, each addressing a specific aspect of the research question. Synthesize the research findings, compare and contrast the studies, and identify the gaps in the literature. Use subheadings to clearly delineate the different sections of the literature review.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key findings of the literature review, discuss the implications for nursing practice, and suggest areas for future research. This section should provide a coherent and compelling conclusion to the literature review.
• References: Include a comprehensive list of citations for all the sources used in the literature review, formatted according to the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA , Chicago).

Nursing Literature Review Examples

• “The Impact of Nurse Staffing on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings: A Systematic Literature Review” (Aiken et al., 2020)

This comprehensive systematic literature review examines the relationship between nurse staffing levels and a variety of patient outcomes in acute care settings. The researchers conducted a thorough search of relevant databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, to identify high-quality studies addressing this important topic.

After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, the authors reviewed 30 studies that met their quality standards. These studies represented a diverse range of acute care settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments , across multiple countries. The researchers carefully evaluated each study’s methodology, sample size, and statistical analysis to assess the overall strength and validity of the evidence.

In synthesizing the findings, the review revealed that higher nurse staffing levels were consistently associated with better patient outcomes. Specifically, the literature indicated that increased nurse staffing was linked to lower mortality rates, higher patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care indicators, such as reduced rates of hospital-acquired infections and pressure ulcers. Several studies also highlighted the importance of appropriate skill mix, with an optimal balance of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants.

However, the authors also identified important gaps and limitations in the existing research. Many of the included studies were observational in nature, making it difficult to establish clear causal relationships. Additionally, there was significant heterogeneity in the way nurse staffing and patient outcomes were measured across the different studies. The reviewers called for more research to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which nurse staffing influences patient outcomes, as well as the potential moderating effects of factors such as work environment, nurse experience, and organizational characteristics.

Overall, this systematic literature review provides compelling evidence for the critical role of nurse staffing in ensuring positive patient outcomes in acute care settings. The findings underscore the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize adequate nurse staffing as a key strategy for improving the quality and safety of patient care. The review also highlights the importance of conducting high-quality, methodologically rigorous studies to further our understanding of this complex relationship.

• “Factors Influencing Nursing Turnover: A Systematic Review of the Literature” (Roche et al., 2015)

Nursing turnover is a significant challenge faced by healthcare organizations globally, with negative consequences for patient care, organizational efficiency, and the nursing profession as a whole. To better understand the multifaceted factors contributing to this complex issue, Roche and colleagues conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.

The researchers systematically searched several databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2014. After applying strict inclusion criteria, they included 73 studies in their final analysis, representing a diverse range of nursing settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based healthcare organizations.

The review adopted a socio-ecological framework to organize and synthesize the findings, examining factors influencing nursing turnover at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. At the individual level, the literature highlighted the importance of job satisfaction, work-life balance, and personal characteristics, such as age and career stage. Interpersonal factors included the quality of relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as well as perceptions of teamwork and collaboration.

At the organizational level, the reviewers identified several key drivers of nursing turnover, including workload, access to resources, compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and organizational culture. Societal factors, such as the overall nursing workforce supply, public perception of the nursing profession, and the broader economic climate, were also found to influence turnover rates.

The authors noted that many of these factors are interrelated and can have cascading effects on each other. For example, high workloads and poor work environments can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, which in turn increase the likelihood of nurses leaving their positions.

Based on their synthesis of the literature, Roche et al. proposed a comprehensive framework for understanding nursing turnover, highlighting the need for targeted, multilevel interventions to address this complex issue. The review underscores the importance of fostering positive work environments, providing adequate support and resources for nurses, and addressing broader societal factors that contribute to nursing shortages and high turnover rates.

This systematic review represents a significant contribution to the nursing literature, offering a nuanced and evidence-based perspective on the factors influencing nursing turnover. The findings can inform the development of effective retention strategies and help healthcare organizations create more sustainable and supportive work environments for nursing professionals.

• “The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Interventions for Hypertension Management in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (Baral et al., 2021)

Hypertension is a prevalent and often poorly managed chronic condition, with significant implications for patient health and healthcare system costs. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role of nurse-led interventions in the management of hypertension , particularly in primary care settings. To synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions, Baral and colleagues conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

The researchers systematically searched multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies published up to 2020. After a rigorous screening and selection process, they included 27 studies in their final analysis, representing a total of 12,578 participants from primary care settings across various countries.

The included studies evaluated a range of nurse-led interventions, such as educational programs, self-management support, medication management, and care coordination. The reviewers used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to assess the methodological quality of the studies and ensure the validity of the findings.

The meta-analysis revealed that nurse-led interventions were effective in improving both systolic and diastolic blood pressure outcomes, with statistically significant reductions observed in the intervention groups compared to control groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions incorporating patient education, care coordination, and self-management support were particularly effective in lowering blood pressure.

However, the reviewers also noted significant heterogeneity in the included studies, with variations in the specific components of the nurse-led interventions, the intensity and duration of the programs, and the patient populations. Additionally, the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of these interventions remained largely unclear, highlighting the need for further research in these areas.

Despite these limitations, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide compelling evidence for the potential of nurse-led interventions in the management of hypertension in primary care settings. The review underscores the valuable role that nurses can play in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care and empowering individuals to better manage their hypertension.

The authors emphasize the importance of continued research to further elucidate the optimal design and implementation of nurse-led hypertension management programs, as well as their long-term clinical and cost-effectiveness. By building on this evidence base, healthcare organizations can leverage the expertise and accessibility of nursing professionals to improve hypertension control and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in primary care.

Top Tips for Doing Your Literature Review

When conducting a nursing literature review, consider the following top tips:

• Choose a fascinating topic: Select a research question or topic that interests you and aligns with your academic or professional goals. This will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the review process.
• Be selective: Focus on high-quality, peer-reviewed research studies and articles that are directly relevant to your research question . Avoid the temptation to include every source you find, as this can lead to an unfocused and unwieldy literature review.
• Make the library your friend: Utilize your university library’s resources, including databases, librarians, and citation management tools, to efficiently retrieve and organize your literature. Librarians can provide valuable guidance on search strategies and resource selection.
• Go through the abstracts of relevant articles that have been published before: Skim the abstracts of relevant articles to quickly identify the key findings and determine the relevance to your research. This can save you time and help you focus your review on the most pertinent sources.
• Improvise: Be flexible and adaptable in your literature search and review process, as you may encounter unexpected findings or need to adjust your approach along the way. Remain open-minded and willing to explore new directions that could enhance your understanding of the topic.

Nursing literature review is a crucial component of the research process in the field of nursing. By reviewing and synthesizing the existing literature, researchers can identify the gaps in the research, highlight the key concepts, and provide a solid foundation for the research methodology. The process of conducting a nursing literature review requires dedication, critical thinking, and attention to detail, but the rewards can be substantial, both for the researcher and the nursing profession as a whole.

If you require further assistance with writing a nursing literature review, our team of academic writing experts is here to help. We offer customized services to guide you through the entire process, from topic selection to final revisions. Contact us today to learn more about our nursing literature review writing services.

• What is the difference between a literature review and a meta-analysis? A literature review provides a broad, qualitative synthesis of the existing research on a topic, while a meta-analysis is a statistical technique that quantitatively combines the results of multiple studies to arrive at an overall effect size. Meta-analyses require a more rigorous, systematic approach to identifying, selecting, and analyzing the relevant research.
• How do I choose relevant databases for my nursing literature review? When selecting databases for a nursing literature review, it’s important to consult with a librarian who can provide guidance on the most appropriate discipline-specific databases, such as CINAHL for nursing, PubMed for biomedical literature, and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews. Using a combination of relevant databases will help ensure a comprehensive literature search.
• What is the importance of the evidence matrix  in a literature review? The evidence matrix is a crucial tool for organizing and synthesizing the literature. It allows researchers to systematically document key information from each study, such as the research question, methodology, and quality assessment. This matrix facilitates the identification of patterns, gaps, and contradictions in the existing research.
• How can I ensure my literature review is up-to-date and comprehensive? To keep your literature review current and comprehensive, it’s important to conduct periodic searches to identify any newly published research. Additionally, you can use forward and backward citation tracking to identify related studies that may have been missed in the initial search. This iterative approach helps ensure that your review reflects the most recent and relevant evidence on the topic.

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Literature Review Overview

What is a Literature Review? Why Are They Important?

A literature review is important because it presents the "state of the science" or accumulated knowledge on a specific topic. It summarizes, analyzes, and compares the available research, reporting study strengths and weaknesses, results, gaps in the research, conclusions, and authors’ interpretations.

Tips and techniques for conducting a literature review are described more fully in the subsequent boxes:

• Literature review steps
• Strategies for organizing the information for your review
• Literature reviews sections
• In-depth resources to assist in writing a literature review
• Templates to start your review
• Literature review examples

Literature Reviews vs Systematic Reviews

Systematic Reviews are NOT the same as a Literature Review:

Literature Reviews:

• Literature reviews may or may not follow strict systematic methods to find, select, and analyze articles, but rather they selectively and broadly review the literature on a topic
• Research included in a Literature Review can be "cherry-picked" and therefore, can be very subjective

Systematic Reviews:

• Systemic reviews are designed to provide a comprehensive summary of the evidence for a focused research question
• rigorous and strictly structured, using standardized reporting guidelines (e.g. PRISMA, see link below)
• uses exhaustive, systematic searches of all relevant databases
• best practice dictates search strategies are peer reviewed
• uses predetermined study inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to minimize bias
• aims to capture and synthesize all literature (including unpublished research - grey literature) that meet the predefined criteria on a focused topic resulting in high quality evidence

Literature Review Steps

Graphic used with permission: Torres, E. Librarian, Hawai'i Pacific University

1. Choose a topic and define your research question

• Try to choose a topic of interest. You will be working with this subject for several weeks to months.
• Ideas for topics can be found by scanning medical news sources (e.g MedPage Today), journals / magazines, work experiences, interesting patient cases, or family or personal health issues.
• Do a bit of background reading on topic ideas to familiarize yourself with terminology and issues. Note the words and terms that are used.
• Develop a focused research question using PICO(T) or other framework (FINER, SPICE, etc - there are many options) to help guide you.
• Run a few sample database searches to make sure your research question is not too broad or too narrow.
• If possible, discuss your topic with your professor. 

2. Determine the scope of your review

The scope of your review will be determined by your professor during your program. Check your assignment requirements for parameters for the Literature Review.

• How many studies will you need to include?
• How many years should it cover? (usually 5-7 depending on the professor)
• For the nurses, are you required to limit to nursing literature?

3. Develop a search plan

• Determine which databases to search. This will depend on your topic. If you are not sure, check your program specific library website (Physician Asst / Nursing / Health Services Admin) for recommendations.
• Create an initial search string using the main concepts from your research (PICO, etc) question. Include synonyms and related words connected by Boolean operators
• Contact your librarian for assistance, if needed.

4. Conduct searches and find relevant literature

• Keep notes as you search - tracking keywords and search strings used in each database in order to avoid wasting time duplicating a search that has already been tried
• Read abstracts and write down new terms to search as you find them
• Check MeSH or other subject headings listed in relevant articles for additional search terms
• Scan author provided keywords if available
• Check the references of relevant articles looking for other useful articles (ancestry searching)
• Check articles that have cited your relevant article for more useful articles (descendancy searching). Both PubMed and CINAHL offer Cited By links
• Revise the search to broaden or narrow your topic focus as you peruse the available literature
• Conducting a literature search is a repetitive process. Searches can be revised and re-run multiple times during the process.
• Track the citations for your relevant articles in a software citation manager such as RefWorks, Zotero, or Mendeley

5. Review the literature

• Read the full articles. Do not rely solely on the abstracts. Authors frequently cannot include all results within the confines of an abstract. Exclude articles that do not address your research question.
• While reading, note research findings relevant to your project and summarize. Are the findings conflicting? There are matrices available than can help with organization. See the Organizing Information box below.
• Critique / evaluate the quality of the articles, and record your findings in your matrix or summary table. Tools are available to prompt you what to look for. (See Resources for Appraising a Research Study box on the HSA, Nursing , and PA guides )
• You may need to revise your search and re-run it based on your findings.

6. Organize and synthesize

• Compile the findings and analysis from each resource into a single narrative.
• Using an outline can be helpful. Start broad, addressing the overall findings and then narrow, discussing each resource and how it relates to your question and to the other resources.
• Cite as you write to keep sources organized.
• Write in structured paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words to draw connections, comparisons, and contrasts.
• Don't present one study after another, but rather relate one study's findings to another. Speak to how the studies are connected and how they relate to your work.

Organizing Information

Options to assist in organizing sources and information :

1. Synthesis Matrix

• helps provide overview of the literature
• information from individual sources is entered into a grid to enable writers to discern patterns and themes
• article summary, analysis, or results
• thoughts, reflections, or issues
• each reference gets its own row
• mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts
• at top of page record PICO or research question
• record major concepts / themes from literature
• list concepts that branch out from major concepts underneath - keep going downward hierarchically, until most specific ideas are recorded
• enclose concepts in circles and connect the concept with lines - add brief explanation as needed

3. Summary Table

• information is recorded in a grid to help with recall and sorting information when writing
• allows comparing and contrasting individual studies easily
• purpose of study
• methodology (study population, data collection tool)

Efron, S. E., & Ravid, R. (2019). Writing the literature review : A practical guide . Guilford Press.

Literature Review Sections

• Lit reviews can be part of a larger paper / research study or they can be the focus of the paper
• Lit reviews focus on research studies to provide evidence
• New topics may not have much that has been published

* The sections included may depend on the purpose of the literature review (standalone paper or section within a research paper)

Standalone Literature Review (aka Narrative Review):

• presents your topic or PICO question
• includes the why of the literature review and your goals for the review.
• provides background for your the topic and previews the key points
• Narrative Reviews: tmay not have an explanation of methods.
• include where the search was conducted (which databases) what subject terms or keywords were used, and any limits or filters that were applied and why - this will help others re-create the search
• describe how studies were analyzed for inclusion or exclusion
• review the purpose and answer the research question
• thematically - using recurring themes in the literature
• chronologically - present the development of the topic over time
• methodological - compare and contrast findings based on various methodologies used to research the topic (e.g. qualitative vs quantitative, etc.)
• theoretical - organized content based on various theories
• provide an overview of the main points of each source then synthesize the findings into a coherent summary of the whole
• present common themes among the studies
• compare and contrast the various study results
• interpret the results and address the implications of the findings
• do the results support the original hypothesis or conflict with it
• provide your own analysis and interpretation (eg. discuss the significance of findings; evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the studies, noting any problems)
• discuss common and unusual patterns and offer explanations
•  stay away from opinions, personal biases and unsupported recommendations
• summarize the key findings and relate them back to your PICO/research question
• note gaps in the research and suggest areas for further research
• this section should not contain "new" information that had not been previously discussed in one of the sections above
• provide a list of all the studies and other sources used in proper APA 7

Literature Review as Part of a Research Study Manuscript:

• Compares the study with other research and includes how a study fills a gap in the research.
• Focus on the body of the review which includes the synthesized Findings and Discussion

Literature Review Examples

Check out the following articles as examples for formatting a literature review.

• Breastfeeding initiation and support: A literature review of what women value and the impact of early discharge (2017). Women and Birth : Journal of the Australian College of Midwives
• Community-based participatory research to promote healthy diet and nutrition and prevent and control obesity among African-Americans: A literature review (2017). Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

• Vitamin D deficiency in individuals with a spinal cord injury: A literature review (2017). Spinal Cord

Resources for Writing a Literature Review

These sources have been used in developing this guide.

Resources Used on This Page

Aveyard, H. (2010). Doing a literature review in health and social care : A practical guide . McGraw-Hill Education.

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Writing a literature review . Purdue University. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/writing_a_literature_review.html

Torres, E. (2021, October 21). Nursing - graduate studies research guide: Literature review. Hawai'i Pacific University Libraries. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://hpu.libguides.com/c.php?g=543891&p=3727230

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Literature Review Examples for Nursing Students

Understanding Literature Reviews

As a nursing student, you’ll come across the term “literature review” frequently. It’s a vital component of research and academic writing. But what exactly does it mean, and what does it entail? Let’s delve deeper into the definition, purpose, and components of a literature review.

Definition and Purpose

A literature review is a written summary of the existing published research on a particular topic. It can be a brief overview or form the basis of an entire article. The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on a topic and/or to provide a context for new research.

A literature review discusses published information in a specific subject area, and occasionally information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. The goal is to give an account of what has been published on the topic by acclaimed scholars and researchers. For more details, you can check out our article on  literature review definition .

Components of a Literature Review

A literature review is a key component of a research proposal as it provides the background and significance of the proposed research. It is essentially a review and synthesis of prior research related to the problem being investigated.

The literature review should be intelligently structured and organized into conceptual categories or themes, rather than merely describing the various groups of literature reviewed. This organization allows readers to understand the state of research in the field and identify the gaps your research aims to fill.

Moreover, your literature review should demonstrate that your research study is original, innovative, and adds to the larger body of existing research in the field. It should clearly establish the relevance of your research question and how it fits into the existing scholarly conversation ( Pressbooks ).

In summary, a well-executed literature review should provide a thorough overview of the current state of research, identify gaps or areas for further investigation, and establish the relevance and originality of your research. As you embark on writing your literature review, consider using a  literature review template  to help structure your review and ensure you are including all the necessary components. For more tips, visit our guide on  how to write a literature review .

Importance of Literature Reviews

Literature reviews serve as an essential backbone for any research project, especially for you as a nursing student. Understanding their significance in research and how they contribute to existing knowledge can help you write effective literature reviews.

Significance in Research

A literature review is a crucial component of a research proposal, providing the background and significance of the proposed research. It is a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of prior research related to the problem being investigated.

One of the primary benefits of conducting a literature review is the assessment of the current state of research on a topic. This aids in understanding what is already known about the topic and the extent of previous research. It can also help identify important questions about a topic that require further research. By analyzing existing literature, you may discover unexplored angles or gaps that need to be addressed in future studies, leading to new research directions.

Building on Existing Knowledge

A literature review allows you to build on the existing knowledge base in your area of study. It can help you identify key experts who have significantly contributed to the field and are considered knowledgeable resources for consultation.

Reviewing past studies through a literature review also allows you to determine the methodologies used in previous research on the same or similar topics. This knowledge can guide you in selecting appropriate approaches for your investigation and may even inspire new research methods ( UNF Library ).

After completing a literature review, you should have a solid foundation in your area of study and a clear direction for new research. You can consult experts identified during the review process for any additional questions that may arise during your research work ( UNF Library ).

In summary, a literature review is not just a summary of past works. It is a tool that enables you to understand the landscape of knowledge in your chosen study area and to navigate your research effectively. For useful guidelines on structuring your literature review, check out our articles on  how to write a literature review ,  literature review template , and  literature review format .

Writing an Effective Literature Review

A literature review is not just a summary of sources but an analysis of current knowledge on a specific topic. It involves analyzing, synthesizes, and evaluates to present a clear understanding of theory for papers, theses, or dissertation. It is a crucial part of your academic studies, and its effective writing can significantly contribute to your overall of the subject. In this section, you will learn about the steps to writing a literature review and the challenges faced by writers.

Steps to Writing

There are five key steps to writing a literature review that can help you in understanding the subject and presenting a clear perspective of the topic ( Scribbr ):

• Define the scope of the review : Identify and define your research question or hypothesis.
• Conduct a systematic literature search : Use appropriate keywords, filters, and criteria to find relevant sources.
• Evaluate the sources and sources : Assess the quality, credibility, and relevance of the sources using indicators such as the author’s credentials, the publication date, the peer-review status, the citations, and the research methods.
• Organize and synthesize the sources : Group the sources according to the main themes, patterns, trends, gaps, and controversies in the literature.
• Compare and contrast the sources : Relate the different perspectives, arguments, and evidences presented by the sources to your research question or hypothesis.

For more details on how to write a literature review, check out our guide on  how to write a literature review .

Challenges Faced by Writers

Writing a literature review can be a daunting task due to several challenges that writers often face. One of the first challenges is finding and selecting the right sources for the review. You need to conduct a comprehensive and systematic search of the relevant databases, libraries, and online platforms, using appropriate keywords, filters, and criteria.

Another challenge is organizing and synthesizing the information from the sources. You need to identify the main themes, patterns, trends, gaps, and controversies in the literature and group the sources accordingly. You also need to compare and contrast the different perspectives, arguments, and evidences presented by the sources and relate them to the research question or hypothesis ( LinkedIn ).

To overcome these challenges, you can use a  literature review template  or follow a specific  literature review format . Additionally, regular practice and perseverance can significantly improve your literature review writing skills. Remember, the journey to mastery begins with a single step. Keep practicing and improving, and soon you will be able to write an effective literature review with ease.

Tips for Structuring a Literature Review

Structuring a literature review can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with a multitude of sources. The key to a well-structured literature review lies in effective organization and synthesis of information sourced from the literature.

Organizing Information

Pressbooks  suggests that your literature review should be intelligently structured and organized into conceptual categories or themes, as opposed to merely describing the various bodies of literature you’ve reviewed. This approach involves evaluating and selecting sources, identifying themes, debates, and gaps in the literature, and outlining the structure of the literature review ( Scribbr ).

One common challenge in writing a literature review is organizing and synthesizing the information from the sources. As a writer, you need to identify the main themes, patterns, trends, gaps, and controversies in the literature and group the sources accordingly. You also need to compare and contrast the different perspectives, arguments, and evidence presented by the sources and relate them to your research question or hypothesis ( LinkedIn ).

To help you organize your literature review, you might find our  literature review template  useful.

Synthesizing Sources

While a literature review can be a simple summary of the sources, it typically has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis.

The challenge lies in structuring the review in a coherent and logical way. You need to follow the conventions and expectations of the discipline, the audience, and the purpose of the review. Appropriate transitions, headings, subheadings, and signposts should be used to guide the reader through the review.

In the process of synthesizing your sources, ensure you maintain a balance between the different perspectives while tying everything back to your research question. This not only makes your literature review more cohesive but also helps to highlight the relevance of your research.

For more guidance on how to write a literature review, you can visit our guide on  how to write a literature review  and familiarize yourself with the  literature review format .

Working On an Assignment With Similar Concepts Or Instructions? ​

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• MLA Style This link opens in a new window

Sample Lit Reviews from Communication Arts

Have an exemplary literature review.

Note: These are sample literature reviews from a class that were given to us by an instructor when APA 6th edition was still in effect. These were excellent papers from her class, but it does not mean they are perfect or contain no errors. Thanks to the students who let us post!

• Literature Review Sample 1
• Literature Review Sample 2
• Literature Review Sample 3

Have you written a stellar literature review you care to share for teaching purposes?

Are you an instructor who has received an exemplary literature review and have permission from the student to post?

Please contact Britt McGowan at [email protected] for inclusion in this guide. All disciplines welcome and encouraged.

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Nursing: How to Write a Literature Review

• Traditional or Narrative Literature Review

Getting started

1. start with your research question, 2. search the literature, 3. read & evaluate, 4. finalize results, 5. write & revise, brainfuse online tutoring and writing review.

• RESEARCH HELP

The best way to approach your literature review is to break it down into steps.  Remember, research is an iterative process, not a linear one.  You will revisit steps and revise along the way.  Get started with the handout, information, and tips from various university Writing Centers below that provides an excellent overview.  Then move on to the specific steps recommended on this page.

• UNC- Chapel Hill Writing Center Literature Review Handout, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center Learn how to write a review of literature, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• University of Toronto-- Writing Advice The Literature Review: A few tips on conducting it, from the University of Toronto.
• Begin with a topic.
• Understand the topic. 
• Familiarize yourself with the terminology.  Note what words are being used and keep track of these for use as database search keywords. 
• See what research has been done on this topic before you commit to the topic.  Review articles can be helpful to understand what research has been done .
• Develop your research question.  (see handout below)
• How comprehensive should it be? 
• Is it for a course assignment or a dissertation? 
• How many years should it cover?
• Developing a good nursing research question Handout. Reviews PICO method and provides search tips.

Your next step is to construct a search strategy and then locate & retrieve articles.

•  There are often 2-4 key concepts in a research question.
• Search for primary sources (original research articles.)
• These are based on the key concepts in your research question.
• Remember to consider synonyms and related terms.
• Which databases to search?
• What limiters should be applied (peer-reviewed, publication date, geographic location, etc.)?

Review articles (secondary sources)

Use to identify literature on your topic, the way you would use a bibliography.  Then locate and retrieve the original studies discussed in the review article. Review articles are considered secondary sources.

• Once you have some relevant articles, review reference lists to see if there are any useful articles.
• Which articles were written later and have cited some of your useful articles?  Are these, in turn, articles that will be useful to you? 
• Keep track of what terms you used and what databases you searched. 
• Use database tools such as save search history in EBSCO to help.
• Keep track of the citations for the articles you will be using in your literature review. 
• Use RefWorks or another method of tracking this information. 
• Database Search Strategy Worksheet Handout. How to construct a search.
• TUTORIAL: How to do a search based on your research question This is a self-paced, interactive tutorial that reviews how to construct and perform a database search in CINAHL.

The next step is to read, review, and understand the articles.

• Start by reviewing abstracts. 
• Make sure you are selecting primary sources (original research articles).
• Note any keywords authors report using when searching for prior studies.
• You will need to evaluate and critique them and write a synthesis related to your research question.
• Consider using a matrix to organize and compare and contrast the articles . 
• Which authors are conducting research in this area?  Search by author.  
• Are there certain authors’ whose work is cited in many of your articles?  Did they write an early, seminal article that is often cited?
• Searching is a cyclical process where you will run searches, review results, modify searches, run again, review again, etc. 
• Critique articles.  Keep or exclude based on whether they are relevant to your research question.
• When you have done a thorough search using several databases plus Google Scholar, using appropriate keywords or subject terms, plus author’s names, and you begin to find the same articles over and over.
• Remember to consider the scope of your project and the length of your paper.  A dissertation will have a more exhaustive literature review than an 8 page paper, for example.
• What are common findings among each group or where do they disagree? 
• Identify common themes. Identify controversial or problematic areas in the research. 
• Use your matrix to organize this.
• Once you have read and re-read your articles and organized your findings, you are ready to begin the process of writing the literature review.

2. Synthesize.  (see handout below)

• Include a synthesis of the articles you have chosen for your literature review.
• A literature review is NOT a list or a summary of what has been written on a particular topic. 
• It analyzes the articles in terms of how they relate to your research question. 
• While reading, look for similarities and differences (compare and contrast) among the articles.  You will create your synthesis from this.
• Synthesis Examples Handout. Sample excerpts that illustrate synthesis.

Regis Online students have access to Brainfuse. Brainfuse is an online tutoring service available through a link in Moodle. Meet with a tutor in a live session or submit your paper for review.

• Brainfuse Tutoring and Writing Assistance for Regis Students by Tricia Reinhart Last Updated Nov 15, 2024 935 views this year
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Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students

(16 reviews)

Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University Vancouver

Sue F. Phelps, Washington State University Vancouver

Copyright Year: 2017

Publisher: Rebus Community

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Amanda Datesman, Lecturer in Nursing, University of Virginia on 11/8/24

Provides a fairly comprehensive discussion of the general steps in performing a literature review. A discussion of copyright/plagiarism issues in scholarly writing would round out this resource. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Provides a fairly comprehensive discussion of the general steps in performing a literature review. A discussion of copyright/plagiarism issues in scholarly writing would round out this resource.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content in this resource is largely error-free and is unbiased. Discussion of the different review types could be updated to reference the core frameworks of methodology for that review type.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The general content of the book is up-to-date, though there's a need to either update information on review methodologies or make the discussion of review types somewhat more general so that guidelines, methodologies, and frameworks for specific review types are left out of the scope of this resource. (Scoping review methodology in healthcare, for example, does follow a systematic approach.).

Clarity rating: 5

This resource is easy to understand.

Consistency rating: 5

The structure of the book is logical and terminology is well-defined and consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

The book is logically organized and could be taught in blocks. Content is very clearly and concisely explained, allowing relevant sections to be taught without the need for the entire book to be read in order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The chaptering of the book is simple to understand and the progression of topics is logical.

Interface rating: 5

No interface issues were experienced with this resource.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were noted in this resource.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Examples provided could be reviewed to ensure inclusivity, but no issues regarding cultural insensitivity or offensiveness were noted.

This text provides a great introduction to literature reviews. It's clear, concise, and easy to understand. Video and visual content supplements the written text throughout the resource. The discussion of the knowledge production cycle and types of information is very helpful.

Reviewed by Rebecca Appleton, Professor of Nursing, Marshall University on 5/7/24

It is very through in covering the steps of a well written literature review read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

It is very through in covering the steps of a well written literature review

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I have not read the entire book, but what I did read was very good.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

It is up to date, but doing a Literature Review is covered in a step-wise manner, includes writing the LR>

Very clear step-by-step approach

It is very consistent!

Chapters are orderly and succinct

Strait forward order.

I did not notice Interface issues.

No grammatical errors were noticed.

I did not notice any problems with cultural Insensitivity

I plan to use this in a Nursing Research class for Graduate Students, and I am trying a new approach to finding the best Research Evidence on a Nursing Topic. Can't wait to see if this help my graduate students understand research literature better.

Reviewed by Barbara Schneider, Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 4/29/24

This textbook covers the range of topics important for a literature review, including formulating a research question, finding scholarly articles, evaluating sources, and synthesizing source content. The videos are great supplements to the text. read more

This textbook covers the range of topics important for a literature review, including formulating a research question, finding scholarly articles, evaluating sources, and synthesizing source content. The videos are great supplements to the text.

Overall, the content is accurate. Consider labeling Nursing as a health profession/discipline.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Much of the content remains relevant. Updated examples would be helpful to today's graduate students.

The textbook is clearly written.

Consistency rating: 4

In general, the text is consistent. There could be more consistency in the formatting of the references.

The modularity is an asset.

There is a logical flow to the topics.

The links to outside materials are helpful.

No grammatical errors were evident.

The examples seemed inclusive.

Those who are new to writing a literature review would find this book useful.

Reviewed by Yolanda Griffiths, Professor of Occupational Therapy, Drake University on 12/15/21

The authors were thorough and very organized in stepping readers through the process of conducting and writing a literature review. Each area is appropriately indexed and examples are provided in a variety of ways. The synthesis section is... read more

The authors were thorough and very organized in stepping readers through the process of conducting and writing a literature review. Each area is appropriately indexed and examples are provided in a variety of ways. The synthesis section is especially useful as students often do not understand what this means. Perhaps some content on plagiarism would benefit this section as well. The flow of the material easily guides users logically through each topic.

The content is accurate and unbiased. The content is presented in an easy to understand way with videos, and examples.

The relevance of the content is classic and the text should be pertinent for many years. The links included in the text are very useful and should be easy for authors to check periodically. Using a digital media is more relevant to today's students than print textbooks. Each section addresses a reasonable chunk of information.

The book is user friendly, written in an easy to understand manner, and graphics or links add to the understanding of the content. Definitions are clearly written. Such as clarifying the types of literature reviews will be useful for students. Providing a test yourself section at the end of sections allows the reader to check if any content was confusing or not clear.

The text is consistently laid out in a logical manner which helps to unpack content which may be new or unfamiliar to the reader/student.

The amount of content allocated to each chapter is appropriate and will be easy to assign readings. The chapter headings are clear and the embedded videos, charts and test questions enlighten each subunit. The hyperlinking in the table of contents helps to navigate the chapters well.

The organization of the content is logical and easy to understand the process of completing a literature review. The book is laid out much like a road map where students can see the big picture as well as the supporting parts to the process. The references by chapter are very useful.

The graphics were clear, and the non-serif font aids in eye fatigue. One recommendation is to lower the brightness of the bold blue text in the table of contents to reduce eye fatigue. There was no problem to play the videos and the audio was clear. All links worked well.

There were no grammatical errors. There were a few typos such as 1.3.1.8 needs a space between "A specific", 2.3 in the phrase "Articles by the type of periodical in which an article it is published" perhaps remove the word "it", in the table on page 41. under Nursing , the word clinical is spelled "Cclinical", remove the capital C.

No evidence of cultural bias or insensitivity.

I am very excited to use this textbook in my doctoral level occupational therapy class. The inclusion of concise explanations of PICO and SPICE will be very useful. This will be a wonderful resource for graduate students and being mindful of costs for textbooks is compassionate.

Reviewed by Susan Bassett, Instructor, Nursing Graduate Program, Eastern New Mexico University on 11/9/21

Each chapter presented a different aspect of doing a literature review. This was organized and orderly. The index/table of contents was very detailed which allowed the reader to easily use this book as a reference while conducting a literature... read more

Each chapter presented a different aspect of doing a literature review. This was organized and orderly. The index/table of contents was very detailed which allowed the reader to easily use this book as a reference while conducting a literature review.

The content appeared to be entirely accurate. It did a good job of combining information for both education and nursing students. The authors addressed pertinent points of research study development as well as the specific methodology of approaching a research-focused literature review.

The text was up-to-date in methodology, which should not change frequently. The many links to websites were very helpful and yet were basic enough that they should be relevant for years. If they do need updating, the are clearly presented and should be easily updated. The breakdown to very small "chunks" of information per section will help in easily updating specific parts of information.

The book presented a rather complex topic in an extremely straight-forward, easy to read, clear manner. Each small "chunk" of information was identified per section numbering which correlated with movement through the content. The writing was professional and yet not overwhelmed with discipline-specific terminology. Where potentially new terminology was presented, it was immediately followed with definitions and examples.

The book was well-organized and moved along the structure set out early in the book. Content was gradually unfolded, as divided per chapter. There was a bit of repetition (probably about three examples) where the authors attempted to tie information together. Although this stood out to a reader, it seemed more useful in organizing than detrimental in repetition.

The book was subdivided into chapters and then into many small modules of discrete information. It could easily be assigned in part. It could also readily be used as a reference for students to go back and easily find processes or pieces of information they might need later.

I found the continual clear and succinct organization of information to be a defining highlight of this book. When presenting early steps of the research process and then linking these steps with how to conduct a literature review and subsequenty organize and write a literature review, this book is presenting numerous procews steps that must work in tandem. This book did that in a clear and easily readable fashion.

The one feature that did distract me was within the bullet points of 1.3.1. "Types of Reviews". There was a mix of complete and incomplete sentences that worked to convey information succinctly, but distracted me as a reader.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I did find several spelling and grammaticl errors (1.3.1.8, , 1.3.1.9, 2.1.1, 2.3, 2.3.1.1, , 2.3.1.4, 2.3 Table A., p. 41, p. 53, p. 54). Although small errors (a few letters or spacing) they should be corrected.

I did not find any mistakes in cultural appropriateness The content did repeatedly talk about bias reduction in the process of writing a literature review

I thought this book was very well-written and contained great information for my students. The links provided were very appropriate and helpful. The Table "Guide to searching for literature at various stages of the scholarly communication process” was particularly helpful. I will immediately begin using portions of the content in this book to support my research class. Additionally, I will recommend the entire book as a reference for the dedicated student (or one intending to go forward to a doctoral level of education in nursing). Thank you for collating all this information and helpful links into one clear, easily readable and understandable document.

Reviewed by Leah Nillas, Associate Professor, Illinois Wesleyan University on 9/6/21

This book addresses the basic steps in the process of writing a literature review research. Chapter 2 (What is a Literature Review?) needs to be retitled. I think Chapter 1 (Introduction) clearly defines and characterizes literature review as a... read more

This book addresses the basic steps in the process of writing a literature review research. Chapter 2 (What is a Literature Review?) needs to be retitled. I think Chapter 1 (Introduction) clearly defines and characterizes literature review as a research category. Chapter 2 focuses more on the creation of information, information cycle, and selecting appropriate sources. Chapter 7 (Synthesizing Sources) and Chapter 8 (Writing the Lit Review) can still be improved to incorporate specific strategies in synthesizing research literature and examples of writing styles through analysis of a variety of published examples. Writing a synthesis is a challenging skill for most novice researchers.

Information shared is accurate. I did not notice any content error.

Main content is up-to-date. A few citations maybe dated but they are necessary in illustrating different examples of literature reviews. It will be easy to include additional relevant examples of research work that are published recently.

I like how this text is written. Tone is reader friendly and narrative is accessible to novice researchers.

Clearly consistent throughout the chapters.

Clear and purposeful "chunking" of information per chapter.

Readers can easily follow the organization of topics and content.

No obvious interface issues. Appropriate use of multimedia tools.

No grammatical errors.

Text is culturally sensitive. Additional readings, references, or examples can easily be added to incorporate research conducted by diverse authors or literature reviews which focus on diversity and inclusion issues in education and nursing.

This is a good introductory literature review text even for undergraduate education students. Clear discussion of the nature of the research and the writing process. The use of videos and images is helpful in providing multimodal approach in explaining topics or processes. Writing style and tone make the text accessible to novice researchers.

Reviewed by Rebecca Scheckler, Assistant Professor, Radford University on 7/6/20

Two missing topics were inter-library loan and how to avoid plagiarism in writing up the literature review. This second is such an important topic that it deserves its own chapter. read more

Two missing topics were inter-library loan and how to avoid plagiarism in writing up the literature review. This second is such an important topic that it deserves its own chapter.

It is accurate. I found no inaccuracies.

This book is very relevant. Every advanced undergraduate or graduate students requires such a book

I found the book clear. The videos interspersed within the book added much to the clarity. There are lots of good diagrams that add to the clarity. They are not all original but their sources are all cited. The section on boolean searches, usage of asterisks and quotes in searches is very helpful and appropriate although often left out of discussion of searches.

The book is consistent in terminology and framework.

The chapters were cohesive.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

I like the links to within the text to the references and other matter. What is needed are back links to the text from the references. I also would have liked links from the exercises to the answers of the exercises.

Interface rating: 4

See navigation links mentioned above. The grey literature link is broken.

I saw no grammatical problems. There are many bulleted lists rather than text which is appropriate to this topic.

There could be more attention to cultural context in the frequent examples.

I wondered why nursing and education were combined. They are similar in nature but not identical. separation them out into two books might be appropriate.

Reviewed by Lisa Shooman, Associate Professor, Worcester State University on 6/29/20

Overall, this book provides a very comprehensive and thorough roadmap for creating a literature review. The videos assist the reader in crystallizing the information presented in the text. There is an effective index and glossary that provide... read more

Overall, this book provides a very comprehensive and thorough roadmap for creating a literature review. The videos assist the reader in crystallizing the information presented in the text. There is an effective index and glossary that provide helpful navigation to the reader.

The content is detailed, clearly explained, error-free, and unbiased. My students would greatly benefit from the lucid information presented in this text to guide them with developing a literature review. I would be eager to adopt this book for my students.

The content is timely and will not be quickly out-of-date. The quiz questions at the end of each chapter are relevant and will aid students with the consolidation of the material. The online format allows for updating, and the version history at the end of the text clearly indicated that the book was updated recently.

The text is clear and not ridden with any excess jargon /technical terminology. Pictures, graphics, and videos further elucidate the text. There are helpful questions that stimulate thought and lists that help to organize information.

The internal consistency in the text is excellent. However, Chapter 1.1 and Chapter 2 have the same title and it would benefit the reader to have different titles that would highlight the differences between these two sections. Chapter 1.1 is an overview and Chapter 2 dives into more depth.

The text is efficiently divided into smaller reading sections that are demarcated by numbers. The subsections in each chapter can be assigned at different points in the course. The text is organized logically and systematically that assists the reader with comprehension and provides a roadmap for creating an effective literature review.

The entire text is presented coherently and concisely. The organization of the text takes the reader through the process of creating an effective literature review. It can be used by multiple health professions, although the length of the text is relatively short it includes a considerable depth of the material. Other disciplines that would benefit from using this test in their courses may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology students.

The interface of the text is simple and easy to follow. The cover of the text would benefit from photos, color, and graphic design to appeal to the modern digital reader.

No grammatical or spelling errors are noted.

No cultural biases existed in the text in any way. There are no individuals highlighted in the book, and due to the technical nature of the subject matter, the text is inclusive to a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. No offensive statements are included in this book.

The authors should consider including other health professionals in the title and provide examples that can relate to other health professionals throughout the text. Other health professionals that can benefit from reading this text include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology students. Literature reviews are relevant for many health professionals in their master's and doctorate programs and the text could serve a wider audience.

Reviewed by Ellen Rearick, Assistant Professor, Framingham State University on 6/1/20

This text covers all areas and the process of the integrative review appropriately. It is an engaging text for graduate students new to these assignments. read more

This text covers all areas and the process of the integrative review appropriately. It is an engaging text for graduate students new to these assignments.

This text is well done, very accurate

This text is relevant. The updates needed regarding APA format should be relatively easy to implement.

This text is clear and provides users with definitions and examples of the variety of reviews.

Very well written using consistent terminology throughout.

The text's reading sections are easily accessible and users will find them organized. Each chapter and its sections are presented in the sequence of the process of an integrative review.

Very clear and logical order.

The navigation of this text was problem-free.

No grammatical errors noted.

No issues with cultural insensitivity noted.

This was a well-organized text using videos to reinforce content that would benefit any education or nursing graduate student new to the integrative review process.

Reviewed by Ruth Stoltzfus, Professor of Nursing; Dir., Grad Programs in Nursing, Goshen College on 6/1/19

This text provides everything a graduate student needs to write a literature review in a concise manner. If you look at the digital pdf, there are many strategies to help the reader learn the process - videos, diagrams, and also text. read more

This text provides everything a graduate student needs to write a literature review in a concise manner. If you look at the digital pdf, there are many strategies to help the reader learn the process - videos, diagrams, and also text.

I found no evidence of bias and no errors.

This book has long-term relevance. The content will not quickly out-date.

I really liked the way the textbook is structured. The author is concise which makes the textbook easy to read.

I found no inconsistencies in terminology or other aspects related to the content.

I will adopt this text for a research course I use and will likely assign only specific chapters. I plan to recommend the textbook to another faculty who teaches a comprehensive research course with the idea of assigning only specific sections to read..

The textbook begins with an introduction to the subject matter. Subsequent chapters develop specific aspects related to lit reviews. The textbook provides a nice "how to" for each element of a lit review. Chapters are also organized in a smooth, easy to follow format.

I only looked at the digital pdf and print pdf versions. The print pdf indicates that there are videos to watch, but of course since it is a print pdf, there is no linkage. I think this would be obvious to a savvy reader - that a print pdf will be limited in what the reader can access.

I found no grammatical errors in my quick read.

I found no evidence of cultural bias or insensitivity.

This is the first open textbook that I have encountered. I was expecting it to be flat and boring! However, it was neither of those. There were color diagrams, color photos, and even videos embedded in the textbook.

I have adopted this book for the Research Lit Review course that I am teaching soon. I am impressed!

Reviewed by Melissa Wells, Assistant Professor, University of Mary Washington on 5/1/19

This book helps students in education and nursing complete a literature review, which may be the first time these students are tackling such a task. The chapters break down the process into defining the special genre of a literature review;... read more

This book helps students in education and nursing complete a literature review, which may be the first time these students are tackling such a task. The chapters break down the process into defining the special genre of a literature review; providing tips to get started; suggesting where students can find literature to review; explaining how to evaluate sources; detailing the process of documenting sources; giving advice for synthesizing sources; and finally, putting all of these pieces together into a final literature review. Most significantly, the text provides specific examples of ideas presented in the context of both nursing and education, which makes the content directly relatable to the student's course of study. The conclusion recaps the main points of each chapter in bullet form. The text is lacking both an index and a glossary, which would be additions that could strengthen the text.

The text explains 11 different types of literature reviews that students may encounter or be asked to create. Also, the text is framed to work with multiple methodologies; for example, steps for writing a research question or a hypothesis to frame the literature review are provided. One inconsistency I noted was in diagram 6.2: the APA citation is incorrectly capitalized for the journal title (which should use sentence, not title, capitalization).

The text also includes external links to sources, such as a videos, which provide students with multiple modalities in which to digest the information. An example of a literature review for both education and nursing is provided at the end of the book; instead of embedding these in the text, the hyperlinks refer the reader to the external site. This will be easy to change to a new example in the future, but checks will need to be done to ensure that all such external sources remain actively accessible.

Each chapter opens with learning objectives to help frame the content with which the reader is about to engage. Throughout the text, the language is approachable and reader-friendly. For example, when the text explains more factual components (i.e., what makes a literature review or what the basics of an effective literature review include), this information is presented in bullet points with hyperlinks to the original sources.

Each chapter follows a similar construction, which makes it accessible to the reader. For example, chapters end with a "Practice" and "Check Yourself" section to apply new learning and self-check responses (an answer key is provided in an appendix). Examples in these exercises are either related to nursing or education, continuing with the stated theme of the text.

When I used this text with my own students, I assigned chapters in isolation, since they had already taken a research methods course and were applying that knowledge to create a research proposal in a specific area of study in my course.

The book is organized in such a way that logically walks the reader through the literature review writing process. Clear headings (which are hyperlinked in the table of contents) also allow the reader to jump to specific parts with which they need additional support.

The interface of this document offered a lot of flexibility. Options allowed users to access the text online, or as a download in multiple file types (EPUB, Digital PDF, MOBI, XHTML, Pressbooks XML, Wordpress XML, and Open Document). These formats provide the reader with an opportunity to pick the interface that works best for them.

I did not see any grammatical errors in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

No culturally insensitive/offensive content was noted. A variety of examples of research topics were included from both nursing and education. Of the images/video thumbnails embedded in the text that involved people, all depicted White people except for 2 images; therefore, more intentional selection of culturally diverse visuals would be helpful in future versions of this text.

I feel this text was helpful to my students as they wrote their own literature reviews. The only weakness in their papers that I noted was their organization of their literature review based on themes/topic, which was addressed in Chapters 7- 8. I now know to focus more on this part of literature review writing with future students. This text is approachable and field-specific, and I will be using it again!

Reviewed by Bernita (Bernie) Missal, Professor, Bethel University on 12/14/18

This book includes all areas that a graduate student needs to begin a literature review. However metasynthesis could have also been included in types of literature review. read more

This book includes all areas that a graduate student needs to begin a literature review. However metasynthesis could have also been included in types of literature review.

This book is accurate although missing qualitative research.

Although content is up to date, some of the article examples need to be updated. (Example: articles published in 1981 and 1992 need to be updated to more recent articles.)

The book is clear and easy to follow. Bullet points were used throughout the book with short paragraphs which helps the student.

Each chapter follows the same format with narrative followed by practice and test questions.

Clear subheadings are used throughout the book.

This book is presented in a logical way and easy for the student to follow.

Images are clear and appropriate for the content.

No specific grammar issues were seen.

It would be helpful for students to include additional examples of cultural studies throughout the book

This book is an excellent resource for graduate students. It has helpful information for the preparation and process for a literature review. Examples of written literature reviews in chapter 8 or in an appendix would be helpful for students.

Reviewed by Nancyruth Leibold, Associate Professor, Southwest Minnesota State University on 6/19/18

The text is overall comprehensive, yet it breaks the information up into manageable parts. See the table of contents for an overview of the topics. The text is very quantitative driven in that the focus is on reviewing quantitative studies. The... read more

The text is overall comprehensive, yet it breaks the information up into manageable parts. See the table of contents for an overview of the topics. The text is very quantitative driven in that the focus is on reviewing quantitative studies. The book included information about PICO statements, but did not include PICO(T) or the time variable, which is not always used in every case. Population was included in the PICO explanation, but a bit more information on the population or aggregate narrowing could improve the PICO section. These items do not hinder use of the book, but these items would need further inclusion by the faculty member using the text as specific to the discipline.

The content in the book is very accurate.

The content in the book is current and should not be obsolete within a short period of time. Any updates would be easy to add.

The text is clear and easy to understand.

The internal organization and terminology of the book is consistent and logical

The text is set up in small reading sessions. The videos and learning activities are well done and break up some of the content, so there is a variety of presentation. The tutorials, figures, practice and self-test areas are also fantastic in that they are quality and sprinkled throughout the text.

The topics in the book are presented in clear and organized fashion. I particularly like the upbeat and personal writing tone of the book. This tone makes it seem like the authors are speaking to me.

The text is free of any significant interface issues. The book is available in many formats. I used the book online and I did have one navigational problem and that is when clicking on a video, it does not open in a new tab and so the book is lost and have to start over going in the start to the book. One easy solution to this is to right click your mouse and then select open in new tab to watch videos. That way, your place in the book is not lost.

No grammar problems present.

The book is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way.

Overall, this is a well written textbook and I recommend it!

Reviewed by Marjorie Webb, Professor, Metropolitan State University on 6/19/18

From the Introduction to the Conclusion, the text covers the step-by-step process of conducting a literature review. The text includes topics such as, “Where to find the Literature” and “Synthesizing Sources” that will be useful to graduate... read more

From the Introduction to the Conclusion, the text covers the step-by-step process of conducting a literature review. The text includes topics such as, “Where to find the Literature” and “Synthesizing Sources” that will be useful to graduate nursing students.

The content in the text, including texts, links, and diagrams, is accurate and unbiased. Again, it will aid the graduate nursing student in the long process of conducting a literature review.

The text is current and this type of material does not become dated quickly. The authors did use internet links in the text which will need to be monitored periodically to ensure they are still available. Updates to the text will be relatively easy and straightforward. If media styles change, there may be some challenges to updating.

The text is clear and easy to read. Technical terminology is defined and/or explained.

The text is internally consistent.

The text is organized in sections which facilitates assigning readings based on the subject matter for the class time. It would be pretty easy to divide up this text into easily readable units based on headings and subheadings.

This text is structured well. The topics flow in an organized manner and really help the student see the process of a literature review. The authors discuss the both theory and purpose of the review and the day-to-day logistics of actually performing the review. The day-today organization is not always included in other texts.

The interface is well-done with no distractions.

There was no indication of cultural bias.

I think this text is appropriate for graduate nursing students. Some students struggle with the difference between writing about a topic (generally undergraduate writing) and synthesizing literature on a given topic (generally graduate writing). Chapters seven and eight focus on preparing the graduate student to make the jump to graduate-level writing and should really benefit new graduate students.

Reviewed by Susanna Thornhill, Associate Professor , George Fox University on 3/27/18

This book is fairly comprehensive and offers step-by-step instructions for conceptualizing/researching a literature review. The Table of Contents is well-organized to reflect the book's progression, from establishing the basics of why to write a... read more

This book is fairly comprehensive and offers step-by-step instructions for conceptualizing/researching a literature review. The Table of Contents is well-organized to reflect the book's progression, from establishing the basics of why to write a literature review and the various types of literature reviews, to getting started with formulating a research idea/question, finding and evaluating sources, synthesizing sources, and guidelines on writing the literature review, itself. I found this text to be a straightforward guide for my graduate students in education, and while I worried at first that the merging of education and nursing topics would prove distracting to my education students, I don't believe this was the case.

One thing that was not comprehensive in this book was discussion of qualitative research and methodologies as a valid means of conceptualizing research aims. I hoped for a more balanced discussion between methodological branches as it applied to literature reviews; this book overly favored quantitative methodologies and studies in terms of its direction to readers about how to conceptualize/choose a topic and design a research question in relation to it. Variables that cannot be measured are not inherently un-researchable, which is the conclusion put forth in this textbook. This might serve nursing students better than education students in terms of their discipline's requirements, but it still represents an element that could be improved.

Finally, while the background on what a literature review is, how to conceptualize research, and how to search for and synthesize research was all valuable, the chapter on actually writing the literature review was a bit thin, simply offering tips for introduction, body, and conclusion and some questions for self-evaluation. Some of the most difficult work for students writing a literature review is achieving proper focus, organization, hierarchy of themes, balance in treatment of related topics, etc. None of these issues were discussed in the chapter pertaining to the writing of a literature review.

I did not have any concerns about the book's accuracy. Content was accurate, albeit biased to quantitative and positivist views of research. I would have liked to see it include additional prompts to support students in conceptualizing and valuing qualitative research; this is an area where I had to supplement course readings with additional texts.

The only significant error I could discern in the text was a lack of an Answer Key corresponding to the questions posed at the end of each chapter.

Content is up-to-date and seems like it will hold meaning well over the next few years. The only things I anticipate might go out-of-date is technological information on things like citation managers, search guidelines, and database information. This is easily updatable with future versions of the text. In my view, ERIC is not the best database for educational research and I have confirmed this with educational librarians who support my students, yet it is the only one identified in this text as the best subject-specific source of educational research; this could be revised for additional relevance.

I noticed no issues with the book's clarity. The authors write in a clear and straightforward style, making the text easy to read. Overall, they did well writing for students across two disciplines by avoiding nursing or education-specific terms that would have been problematic to readers in the other discipline.

The book is internally consistent and did not have issues with terminology or framework.

No issues with the book's modularity. Chapter headings and sub-headings were appropriately paced and spaced. I assigned this textbook to my graduate students as a whole text that I wanted them to read at the beginning of a course, but it has been easy to refer them back to particular topics as the course has continued.

In future iterations of the book, I suggest hyperlinking the Answer Key to the exercises at the end of each chapter and/or listing the Answer Key in the Table of Contents for easy referral.

I found the book's organization to be straightforward and sensible. The Table of Contents offers a helpful snapshot of the scope of the book and the authors write in a direct and clear style, which contributes to an appropriate flow for the text.

I did not note any navigation problems with any links. All charts/images loaded well in my iBook app. The authors did a nice job of pulling relevant content and links in to support their ideas; it provided an easy way to seek more information if I wanted it, without feeling like the text was loaded down with unnecessary information.

I only found a few small typos in the text, with no grammar issues. The book is obviously written by two very detail-oriented librarians. I appreciated the clarity of the text and lack of errors.

The text was not culturally insensitive; a variety of topics across nursing and education were discussed as examples, which yielded a fairly balanced text regarding cultural considerations.

Reviewed by Alicia Rossiter, Assistant Professor, University of South Florida on 3/27/18

I believe the book gives a comprehensive overview on how to complete a literature view at the graduate level. It begins with an overview of the purpose of a literature review and moves through the steps to completing the review process. read more

I believe the book gives a comprehensive overview on how to complete a literature view at the graduate level. It begins with an overview of the purpose of a literature review and moves through the steps to completing the review process.

I believe the book was accurate and unbiased. It was easy to read but comprehensive.

Content within the text is relevant and supports the literature view process. It did discuss the various databases for searches which may need updating to include new sites, search engines but otherwise relevant and useful information.

The text is easy to read, provides appropriate examples, includes a section on putting the process into practice as well as a "test yourself" section to ensure the content is understood.

The text is consistent throughout in regards to terminology, framework, and set up.

The text is easy to read and content is leveled for the reader but not over simplified. Content is chunked into sections making it easy for the reader to digest the content. The chapters are well laid out and flow from chapter to chapter. Each chapter contains learning objectives, content sections, practice section, and test yourself section. Well organized and great visuals.

Topics are presented in a logical, clear fashion that flow from chapter to chapter and build as the reader moves through the process.

The text is free of interface issues. I could not get the videos to play but other visuals were appropriate and useful to support content.

The text contains no grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally offensive. There was no evidence of bias or cultural insensitivity.

I think this would be a great resource for graduate student learning to navigate the literature review process. It is easy to read, straightforward, and guides the individual through the process from start to finish. I will recommend this text to my graduate students in evidence-based practice and research courses as a recommended reference.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: What is a Literature Review?
• Chapter 3: How to Get Started
• Chapter 4: Where to Find the Literature
• Chapter 5: Evaluating Sources
• Chapter 6: Documenting Sources
• Chapter 7: Synthesizing Sources
• Chapter 8: Writing the Literature Review

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students is an open textbook designed for students in graduate-level nursing and education programs. Its intent is to recognize the significant role the literature review plays in the research process and to prepare students for the work that goes into writing one. Developed for new graduate students and novice researchers just entering into the work of a chosen discipline, each of the eight chapters covers a component of the literature review process. Students will learn how to form a research question, search existing literature, synthesize results and write the review. The book contains examples, checklists, supplementary materials, and additional resources. Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students is written by two librarians with expertise guiding students through research and writing assignments, and is openly licensed.

About the Contributors

Linda Frederiksen is the Head of Access Services at Washington State University Vancouver.  She has a Master of Library Science degree from Emporia State University in Kansas. Linda is active in local, regional and national organizations, projects and initiatives advancing open educational resources and equitable access to information.

Sue F. Phelps is the Health Sciences and Outreach Services Librarian at Washington State University Vancouver. Her research interests include information literacy, accessibility of learning materials for students who use adaptive technology, diversity and equity in higher education, and evidence based practice in the health sciences

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Book Title: Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students

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Book Description: This open textbook is designed for students in graduate-level nursing and education programs. From developing a research question to locating and evaluating sources to writing a sample literature review using appropriate publication guidelines, readers will be guided through the process. This book has been peer-reviewed by 7 subject experts and is now available for adoption and use in courses or as a library resource. If you’d like to adopt the book, please let us know . You can view the book's Review Statement for more information about reviewers and the review process. The Accessibility Assessment for this is book is also available. If you'd like to adopt or adapt this book, please let us know .

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Book description.

Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students is an open textbook designed for students in graduate-level nursing and education programs. Its intent is to recognize the significant role the literature review plays in the research process and to prepare students for the work that goes into writing one. Developed for new graduate students and novice researchers just entering into the work of a chosen discipline, each of the eight chapters covers a component of the literature review process. Students will learn how to form a research question, search existing literature, synthesize results and write the review. The book contains examples, checklists, supplementary materials, and additional resources. Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students is written by two librarians with expertise guiding students through research and writing assignments, and is openly licensed.

Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students Copyright © by Linda Frederiksen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Nursing Education: Literature Review

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What is a literature review?

"A literature review is a text of a scholarly paper, which includes the current knowledge including substantive findings, as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. Literature reviews use secondary sources, and do not report new or original experimental work."

• Source: Wikipedia

Writing the Literature Review

Samples of Literature Reviews

• Sample Literature Review This sample paper was adapted by the Writing Center from Key, K.L., Rich, C., DeCristofaro, C., Collins, S. (2010). Use of Propofol and emergence agitation in children: A literature review. AANA Journal, 78(6).
• Sample Literature Review For Nursing Students From Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
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