MHA (Health Services Management and Leadership): Conducting Research

Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students by North Carolina State University Libraries

What is a literature review?

A literature review is a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of published information on a subject area. Conducting a literature review demands a careful examination of a body of literature that has been published that helps answer your research question (See PICO). Literature reviewed includes scholarly journals, scholarly books, authoritative databases, primary sources and grey literature.

A literature review attempts to answer the following:

• What is known about the subject?
• What is the chronology of knowledge about my subject?
• Are there any gaps in the literature?
• Is there a consensus/debate on issues?

TIPS:

1. Create a clear research question/statement
2. Define the scope of the review include limitations
   (i.e. gender, age, location, nationality...)
3. Search existing literature including classic works on your topic and grey literature
4. Evaluate results and the evidence
   (Avoid discounting information that contradicts your research)
5. Track and organize references

GW Writing Center is an open, welcoming, professional environment within which members of the GW community can receive dedicated attention to their writing and research projects.
(See: GW Writing Center Policies)

Distance Learning: Schedule your appointment through the online system and send your paper (at least 24 hours in advance) to gwriter@gwu.edu. Include the name of your tutor, time of your session, and number you will be calling from.

Non-Native English Speaking Students:  For specific writing help as a non-native English speaking student, please look into scheduling your appointment at the Language Center.

What is RefWorks? RefWorks is an online research management, writing and collaboration tool. It is designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies.

Why should you use RefWorks?

• One "click" and you can generate bibliographies in any citation style format. (APA, AMA, MLA and more!)
• Allows you to create & organize your own personal database of references.
• Import your references directly from databases, journals or the library catalog and avoid emailing or the need to save to a USB flashdrive.
• Makes collaboration easier during group projects allowing you to share your RefWorks folder of references.
• Click here for more information on creating a RefWorks account