Literature review

What is the purpose of a literature review?

• To summarise your findings

• To describe your methodology in detail

• To provide the context for your research and identify gaps in existing knowledge

• To share personal opinions about a topic

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good literature review?

• Synthesises information from multiple sources

• Focuses only on recent studies from the last year

• Organises research into themes or categories

• Highlights contradictions and gaps in existing research

What are the key features that indicate a source is credible for a literature review?

• Peer reviewed

• Relevant

• Recent (in the last 10 years)

• All of the above

Why is it important to include contradictory findings in a literature review?

• To show the complexity of the topic

• To prove that some studies are wrong

• To eliminate unnecessary research from the review

• To increase the length of the literature review

Match the following themes to examples of research findings

• Nitrate supplementation improves time to

• Mechanisms of action

• Nitrates are found in beetroot and other

• Benefits of exercise performances

• Nitrates increase nitric oxide productio

• Contradicory findings

• Some studies report no significant impro

• Background on nitrates

True or false summarising does not involve presenting information as-is

• True

• Flase

combines insights to create a coherent narrative

What is the purpose of creating a thematic map or storyboard when planning a literature review?

• To identify potential mistakes in research

• To visually organise key themes and findings for clarity

• To write the review without referencing sources

• To find gaps in your personal knowledge

Which section of a literature review typically includes the identification of research gaps?

• Introduction

• Main body

• Conclusion

• References

What is one common challenge students face when writing a literature review, and how can it be addressed?

• Finding credible sources - This can be addressed by using academic databases and evaluation checklists

• Meeting the word count - this can be addressed by using a template provided by the tutor

• Submitting work on time - This can be addressed by starting work early and no leaving it until the last minute to complete

• Writing concisely - The can be addressed by "trimming the fat"