Writing a PhD thesis is a complex and demanding process, and one of the most challenging sections is the literature review. This chapter is essential because it demonstrates your understanding of existing research, identifies gaps in the field, and establishes the foundation for your own study.
Many PhD candidates struggle with how to structure a literature review. Should it be arranged chronologically or thematically? How do you balance summary and analysis? What should go into the literature review introduction, and how should it conclude? In this guide, we will explore the structure of a literature review, providing a clear literature review outline and a literature review structure example to help you develop a well-organised and analytical chapter.
1. What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a critical survey of existing research related to your topic. Writing a literature review is a challenging task: it is more than just a summary—it is an analysis that positions your research within the broader academic discussion.
A strong literature review should:
- Summarise major theories, concepts, and findings related to your topic.
- Identify gaps in the literature and explain why they matter.
- Establish the theoretical framework for your study.
- Trace the evolution of key ideas in your field.
- Demonstrate how your research contributes to ongoing debates.
Simply listing studies is not enough; your literature review should evaluate and synthesise sources critically, showing how they connect to your research question.
2. Literature Review Structure: Key Components
1. Literature Review Introduction
The literature review introduction should provide a clear roadmap for your reader. It introduces your topic, explains the scope of your review, and outlines how the chapter is structured.
A strong literature review introduction should:
- Clearly define the topic and its significance.
- Explain the criteria for selecting sources (e.g., time period, key theorists).
- Describe the structure of the review, whether thematic, chronological, systematic or methodological.
Example of a Literature Review Introduction:
“This literature review explores representations of national identity in 20th-century French literature, focusing on works from Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Marguerite Duras. The review is structured thematically, examining existentialist perspectives, postcolonial narratives, and the role of memory in shaping national consciousness. By identifying key theoretical debates and gaps in the existing research, this chapter lays the groundwork for a more in-depth analysis of national identity in contemporary French fiction.”
2. Main Body: Organising Your Literature Review
The main body of your literature review can be structured in several ways, depending on your research focus. Below are four common approaches.
a) Thematic Structure (Most Common)
A thematic structure organises the literature by key themes rather than by chronology. This approach is particularly useful when different scholars have examined various aspects of your research topic.
Example of a Thematic Literature Review Structure:
- Theme 1: Existentialism and National Identity – Analysing how Camus and Sartre explore identity in post-war France.
- Theme 2: Postcolonial Perspectives – Examining how Francophone African writers challenge traditional notions of ‘Frenchness’.
- Theme 3: Memory and Trauma in Literature – Investigating how authors such as Duras depict historical memory and national belonging.
When to Use a Thematic Structure:
- If your topic involves multiple debates or theories.
- If different studies focus on distinct aspects of the same issue.
- If you want to highlight key academic discussions in your field.
b) Chronological Structure
A chronological structure presents research in order of publication. This approach is useful when tracing the evolution of an idea over time.
Example of a Chronological Literature Review Structure:
- 1950s–1970s: Early Existentialist Writings – Examining Sartre and Camus.
- 1980s–1990s: Postcolonial Perspectives Emerge – The rise of Francophone African literature.
- 2000s–Present: Memory and Identity in Contemporary Fiction – How modern authors engage with national identity.
When to Use a Chronological Structure:
- If your research focuses on how theories or debates have evolved over time.
- If you need to show shifts in dominant perspectives.
- If your study traces historical changes in literature or theory.
c) Methodological Structure
A methodological structure groups studies based on research methods. This is particularly useful when comparing different approaches.
Example of a Methodological Literature Review Structure:
- Textual Analysis: Close reading of novels and literary criticism.
- Sociocultural Studies: Examining literature through a historical and cultural lens.
- Comparative Literature Approaches: Comparing French and Francophone literature.
When to Use a Methodological Structure:
- If your research evaluates different ways of studying the same topic.
- If you are comparing literary criticism with sociocultural analysis.
- If you need to justify your chosen research methods.
d) Systematic Review Structure
A systematic review structure is one of the most challenging. It follows a rigorous and transparent methodology to synthesise existing research. It is particularly useful for summarising large volumes of literature in a structured way.
Example of a Systematic Literature Review Structure:
- Defining Research Question and Scope – Identifying how national identity is explored in French literature post-World War II.
- Search Strategy – Reviewing peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and dissertations using databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar.
- Study Selection and Appraisal – Evaluating sources based on relevance, methodology, and credibility.
- Data Extraction and Synthesis – Summarising key findings on existentialism, postcolonialism, and trauma representation.
- Discussion and Conclusion – Identifying gaps in the literature, such as underexplored Francophone authors.
When to Use a Systematic Review Structure:
- If you need to provide a comprehensive and unbiased summary of existing research.
- If your study involves synthesising large volumes of academic literature.
- If you are conducting meta-analysis or evaluating multiple research findings systematically.
3. Conclusion of the Literature Review
The conclusion of your literature review should summarise your key findings and highlight gaps in the research. It should also explain how your own study will address these gaps.
A strong literature review conclusion should:
- Summarise the main themes discussed.
- Highlight gaps in the research and their significance.
- Justify how your study will contribute to the field by addressing such gaps.
Example of a Literature Review Conclusion:
“While existing research has extensively examined existentialism and postcolonial identity in French literature, less attention has been paid to how contemporary authors reinterpret these themes in a globalised world. This study will fill this gap by analysing representations of national identity in 21st-century French fiction.”
3. Literature Review Structure Example
To help visualise the structure of a literature review, here is a literature review outline:
Introduction
- Define the topic and explain its significance.
- Describe the scope and focus of your review.
- Explain your methodology for selecting sources.
- Outline the structure of the review (thematic, systematic, chronological, or methodological).
Main Body
- Theme 1: Discuss key theories and their relevance.
- Theme 2: Review major empirical studies and their findings.
- Theme 3: Identify gaps and areas for future research.
Conclusion
- Summarise key takeaways from the literature.
- Highlight areas where further research is needed.
- Explain how your study contributes to the field.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Literature Review
- Over-Summarising – A literature review should evaluate sources, not just describe them.
- Lack of Structure – Ensure that your review is clearly organised.
- Ignoring Research Gaps – Identify and discuss what is missing from current studies.
- Neglecting Contradictory Perspectives – Engage with opposing viewpoints for a well-rounded discussion.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide: How to Write a Literature Review
Final Thoughts
A well-structured literature review is essential for demonstrating your expertise in the field and positioning your research within existing scholarship. By carefully crafting your literature review introduction, selecting the most appropriate structure, and concluding with a strong synthesis, you’ll create a compelling chapter for your PhD thesis.
If you need guidance in structuring your literature review, our leading academics can help. Whether you need assistance outlining your review, identifying key sources, or refining your analysis, we’re here to support you. Contact us today to discuss your project with our UK-based team, available Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.
