How to write a comprehensive literature review

A comprehensive literature review provides clear information on what has been done and what needs to be done, providing direction for research. The basic strategy involves identifying, selecting, extracting, and analyzing data from existing studies in a systematic manner . Let’s elaborate on the steps by taking an example of the topic “Applications of nano-zerovalent iron for heavy metal removal from wastewater.”

Step 1: Plan and Organize

• Define the research question and objectives of the literature review. State what you want to review with clear articulation.

For instance, you may write, "What are the applications of nano-zerovalent iron for heavy metal removal from wastewater?"

• Identify the scope and limitations: Determine the limits of the review, including the study period, number of sources, and full-text access.

For instance: "This review will focus on relevant studies available in full-text, published in English between 2010 and 2024."

• Develop a search strategy. Select the keywords, search terms, and databases for searching sources.

For instance, use keywords like 'nano-zerovalent iron', 'heavy metal removal', 'wastewater treatment', and 'nanotechnology' in academic search databases like “Scopus” and “Web of Science."

• Create an outline and organize the structure. Split the topic into themes, categories, topics, and subtopics, chronologically, with the help of a suitable outline.

For instance, organize the review into main sections like 'Introduction', “Methodology”, 'Synthesis of nano-zerovalent iron', “Techniques for heavy metal removal, 'Applications of nano-zerovalent iron for Heavy Metal Removal', “Challenges and Limitations”, “Future prospective”, and 'Conclusion'."

Step 2: Conduct a Comprehensive Search

• Search relevant databases. Use academic search databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, or IEEE Explore.
• Use keywords, synonyms, and boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR, NOT) to refine the search.

For instance: "nano-zerovalent iron" OR, AND "heavy metal removal" OR "wastewater treatment"

• Use reference management tools like EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero, or AnswerThis to manage and organize references.
• Document the entire process. Keep a record of the search strategy, databases, and results.

Step 3: Evaluate and Select Studies

• Apply inclusion and exclusion criteria: Determine and apply the criteria for including or excluding studies, such as study design, population, or publication date, using the PRISMA diagram (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/well-structured-systematic-literature-review-rajni-garg-sosbc/?trackingId=yYQyC2TiS8SWc4HtigZyGA%3D%3D ).

For instance, include studies that assess the applications of nano-zerovalent iron for heavy metal removal from wastewater and exclude studies that focus on other topics.

• Select relevant and high-quality studies. Choose studies that meet the inclusion criteria and provide the required, reliable, and relevant information.

For instance, select papers with good citations from peer-reviewed journals with a high impact factor.

Step 4: Analyze and Synthesize

• Extract relevant data and information: Thoroughly analyze and extract data from each study, including the introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, and limitations.
• Use data organization tools and templates. Use tools like Excel or Tableau to organize and analyze data.
• Connect the dots. Identify patterns, themes, and correlations between associated parameters.
• Identify gaps and limitations: Determine areas where further research is needed.

For instance, compare the adsorption efficiencies of nano-zerovalent iron for the selected metal ions from the different studies and analyze the adsorption parameters for correlation.

Step 5: Writing the text

• Follow a logical structure and organization.
• Use a clear and concise writing style, avoiding technical jargon.
• Use tables, figures, and illustrations to facilitate understanding.
• Use proper citation and referencing throughout the review.

Step 6: Edit and Proofread

• Write a clear and concise title and abstract.
• Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors by using tools like Grammarly.
• Use plagiarism tools like Turnitin to ensure ethical concerns.
• Finalize the formatting and layout as per the journal’s style.

Writing a literature review requires critical thinking, analytical skills, writing, and communication skills, as well as time management, patience, and diligence. The conventional process involves exploring search engines, and sifting through online as well as print sources to extract the desired information, which costs countless hours. However, the AI research tools like AnswerThis have simplified this tedious process by providing literature reviews rapidly.

How to conduct a comprehensive literature review using AnswerThis

1. Sign in at AnswerThis.io and add your project.
2. Type your research topic in the "Ask or Inquire Something" field and submit.
3. Apply research paper filters like citations, databases (Research Papers, Internet, Library, or LLM), publication date range, and output type (default or full-paper).
4. Submit and receive your results with in-line citations and a list of references.
5. Go to Editor to rephrase, add an abstract, and continue writing with added suggestions.
6. Restructure and refine by exploring more sources in search papers.

AnswerThis facilitates the tedious process of literature review and provides a comprehensive literature review rapidly. You can get either a general review or a full-paper depending on your choice. It provides a full-list of references that can be explored further using the various features of AnswerThis . More details are available at: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/rajni-garg-39a21018_how-to-conduct-literature-review-with-answerthis-activity-7228815024813658112-NASL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Happy researching!