Literature Reviews: Different Types of Literature Reviews

Got an assignment to create a literature review? Working on your master's thesis? Basic definitions and information plus examples and more to explore.

- WHAT KIND OF LITERATURE REVIEW SHOULD I DO? -

If you have an assignment to create a standalone literature review, pay close attention to the instructions for your assignment.

If you are doing advanced work, your professor or thesis advisor can help you choose the best approach.

SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM!

- MANY VARIATIONS ON THE BASIC PLAN -

Depending on the purpose of the literature review and how the author decides to build upon the basic plan, there are seven "families" of literature reviews to choose from. Each one of these families encompass additional variations:

Traditional reviews
Rapid reviews
Qualitative reviews
Mixed methods reviews
Purpose specific reviews
Systematic reviews
Review of reviews

- MORE DETAILED INFORMATION -

Sport Science and Human Performance: Types of Reviews: Scoping, Systematic, Meta Analysis
Although intended for kinesiology students, this website does a great job of defining different types of literature reviews. Scroll down for 1) good step-by-step instructions and 2) a chart with further information on each type of literature review.

- MORE EXAMPLES OF CSUSB GRADUATE WORK-