Instructions for Performing Literature Reviews
A literature review is a vital component of many scientific works and research projects, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing research on a specific topic. The length and scope of these reviews can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the chosen approach, institutional guidelines, and specific research project requirements.
In general, systematic reviews, known for their rigorous and comprehensive nature, tend to be the most extensive, often exceeding 10,000 words (30-80 pages). On the other hand, narrative reviews are more flexible and shorter, usually ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 words (8-20 pages) in journal articles. In undergraduate research papers, literature reviews typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 words (4-12 pages), while in master's theses, they usually range from 3,000 to 10,000 words (10-40 pages). In dissertations, literature reviews can be quite extensive, often ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 words (30-80 pages).
The main body of a 3,000-word literature review typically consists of 2,100-2,400 words. The introduction usually takes up 150-300 words, while the conclusion, which usually takes up 300-450 words, summarises the key findings and provides recommendations for future research.
The scope of a literature review is influenced by various factors, including the type of review, research goals, the breadth of the topic, and institutional guidelines. For instance, scoping reviews provide a broad overview and are in the middle length range compared to systematic and narrative reviews. Cross-over and realist reviews vary in length but generally provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing reviews or focus on intervention mechanisms.
The specific research question or topic being addressed, the eligibility criteria for selecting studies, and the purpose or type of the review (such as systematic, integrative, or scoping review) also play a significant role in defining the scope. Defining a clear and focused research question narrows the scope by identifying the key concepts, populations, interventions, and outcomes to be considered. Eligibility criteria further refine the scope by specifying which types of studies, time periods, geographical areas, and languages are included or excluded.
Other factors influencing the scope include the breadth of the topic (broad or narrow focus), the availability and accessibility of relevant literature, and the guidelines or requirements set by instructors or institutions. The scope may also be shaped by the review’s objectives—whether it aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis, assess the size and type of existing literature, or offer a selective narrative overview. Practical considerations such as time constraints, resource availability, and the depth of analysis intended also impact the scope.
Finally, documenting these scope decisions clearly in the project plan and introduction of the review is essential for transparency and guiding the review process. Always check the guidelines of your institution, your advisor, or the journal you are submitting to, to ensure you meet the expected length and structure requirements.
In summary, factors that influence the scope include the research question and its specificity, eligibility criteria for literature inclusion/exclusion, the review type and purpose, topic breadth (broad vs. narrow), literature availability and quality, institutional or instructor guidelines, time and resource limitations. Understanding these factors can help researchers produce well-structured and comprehensive literature reviews that effectively contribute to their respective fields.
References: [1] Tran, F., & Hulley, S. B. (2015). Designing and reporting systematic reviews of interventions: a practical guide for health care professionals. Oxford University Press. [2] Kitchenham, B., Charters, A., & Wohlin, T. (2007). A guide to conducting systematic reviews in software engineering. ACM Computing Surveys, 39(3), 1-56. [3] Booth, A., Colomb, G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The craft of research. University of Chicago Press. [5] Peters, T. J., & Cecil, M. (2008). How to write a literature review. Sage Publications Ltd.
- Systematic reviews in education-and-self-development, particularly online-learning, often exceed 10,000 words, demonstrating the extensive research and learning resources available in this domain.
- In many education and self-development projects, literature reviews range from 1,000 to 10,000 words, emphasizing the importance of a clear research question and appropriate eligibility criteria to ensure focused learning and research.
