Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review

by Andrew Booth

Reviewing the literature is an essential part of every research project. This book takes you step-by-step through the process of approaching your literature review systematically, applying systematic principles to a wide range of literature review types. Through numerous examples, case studies, and exercises, the book covers often neglected areas of literature review such as concept analysis, scoping, and mapping.  

Genres: Psychology, Research, Writing

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2011

Reviews

[Alexander Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good "general" book that gives you a series of chapters on facets of literature review. Primarily it focuses on health research though. So even though it is general, it is not as well organized social science. It's organized like a textbook which I found a little odd. This book is not a "step-by-step" guide, or a chronological "how-to" guide. This book organizes things that loosely are answering Q&A questions about how to develop a lit review. Likely you will be reading this for 3-4 chapters of this 10 chapter book and not reading it cover to cover and remembering it.

One of the more disappointing parts of this book is that to use this book, you probably want a desk copy, not a library edition, but also there are likely better books focusing on literature review for your area of research/discipline/field than this. So, this book, while general, is not the best reference for you. If you're thinking about a literature review, this book is a skimming book. You take the high points and run with them. If you're reading for a step-by-step guide, this might pair well with a few reviews related to the kind of review you want to do. But I don't know that this one makes the most sense unless you're in interdisciplinary medical, policy, engineering, or economics.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was rubbish and pretentious - 1*

Really? What a pretentious book. There are better books out there on lit reviews. Read them instead.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference text for conducting systematic reviews of the literature - from scoping out the original search to accessing the databases, to assessing and then writing up the findings.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first few chapters in depth and skimmed through the rest (not relevant at current stage). I will definitely be consulting this book again as I delve deeper into studies.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! 4.5 starts

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granted, I did not know there was a "science" behind lit reviews. Prior to this current assignment, my last review was when there was still actual card catalogs. I found this book to be helpful in understanding the structure,types and limitations of lit reviews although the example subject matter was a bit foreign for me. I would suggest more in-depth information or an additional chapter on how to use software such as Zotero for reference management.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive book about conducting literature review. I particularly like the tools and examples presented in this book. A must have for every PhD candidate and researcher, especially for starters! I reckon I'll be referring back to this book over and over throughout my academic career. ;]

[Katarzyna Sabura-Mielnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful but mostly based on usage in medical sciences.
In my opinion, incorporating these methods into other disciplines demands some research experiences, but still a good introduction for all scientists.

[Mills College Library]

300.72 B7251 2016

[InfiniteLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

read up to chapter 8

[Nebiyu Wolde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful and comperesive book