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The Literature Review
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The Literature Review
Six Steps to Success

Fifth Edition


August 2025 | 304 pages | Corwin

Expert guidance and cutting-edge tools for every researcher.

Complex, time-consuming, and steeped in methodologies, conducting a literature review can often feel overwhelming. A go-to resource for researchers for nearly 20 years, The Literature Review simplifies the process with a structured six-step model to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic—and, of course, write the review.

The fifth edition of this bestselling book includes step-by-step guidance on how to use artificial intelligence ethically and effectively across the six steps of the literature review process. Additional features of this thoroughly updated guide include: 

  • Practical checklists, templates, and visuals to support your research at every stage.
  • Reflective exercises, learning tips, and questions to ensure a deeper understanding of each process.
  • Recommendations on transparency and responsibility when utilizing AI in academic research.

Whether you’re embarking on your first literature review or refining your skills, this book equips you with the tools needed to tackle every stage of the literature review process with clarity and precision.

 
Preface
 
Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review
 
Step 1: Select and Define a Topic
 
Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation
 
Step 3: Search the Literature
 
Step 4: Survey the Literature
 
Step 5: Critique the Literature
 
Step 6: Write the Review
 
Supplements
 
Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review
 
Supplement B Literature Review
 
Supplement C Writing a Journal
 
Supplement D SQRRR
 
Glossary
 
References and Further Reading

I love the 6 steps plan—it is doable! The structure of this book encourages readers to develop great research habits. The content material is excellently covered. The section on developing an argument is exceedingly strong . . . I loved the AI sections. These are the sections that I will go back to, which is really exciting. I learned so much!

Neil MacNeill
Scarborough, Western Australia

The book’s organization along the timeline of conducting a literature review is the greatest strength. I like that it follows a logical progression from selecting a topic through the writing of the lit review. The AI sections are one of my favorite parts. They offer clear suggestions for how AI might be incorporated as a research tool.

Jennifer Shettel
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Lititz, Pennsylvania

The structure of the book is very comprehensive. The step-by-step process is clear. The integration of AI in the revised edition and other updates are an added bonus.

Kristopher Kwiatek
Bob Hope Elementary School
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

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