There are four pages on the literature review: (this page on its importance), the task, use of findings and website referencing

The literature survey/review in research 1 of 4: why it is necessary

How a literature survey/review sets the scene for all research projects

Before any research project is undertaken, students need to ensure that they will not be 'reinventing the wheel'. So it is essential to find out what has already been done in the area. This involves consulting what has been published and documenting what is relevant. Hence the need for a survey or review of the literature.

Even if there appears to be no literature on a particular research area because it is new or marginal, you still need to show that you have consulted enough literature to show that this is the case. Almost certainly, though, there will be something similar in some respects which you can quote and capitalise on.

How a literature survey/review can take research projects forward

Sections from The Research Student's Guide to Success in the chapter on literature

Why the work of others is important

Identifying and accessing relevant material

Reading purposefully and effectively

Bibliographic management software

Systems and styles for citing sources

Using literature in your own work

Implications for a 'Literature Survey/Review'

The case that literature is to support depends on the nature of the work and what the writing is for. Typical uses for research students include the following, but the list is not all-inclusive.

To get ideas.

To make a case in a research proposal for there being a gap in knowledge that the proposed work will fill.

To build on the work of others in one's own research.

To make a case for the methodology to be used (or already used).

To show how the work and the results link in with the work of others.

To suggest future work that needs doing (not necessarily by oneself).

* 'Supervisor' is a shorthand for 'research degree supervisor', 'advisor' or 'tutor', and applies to varying extents for all research degrees: PhD, DPhil. MPhil, Prof Doc and even undergraduate and masters' projects. In some countries, notably the USA, a 'supervisor' is known as an 'advisor'.