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The Literature Review (also known as the Narrative Review)

A libguide providing tips, tutorials, and resources to aid Duquesne University students writing a literature review (also known as a narrative review).

"Narrative Review" - breaking it down

Text in the middle with two arrows breaking down the definitions of each word underneath.

What is a narrative review?

  • A narrative review (also known as a literature review) is an exploration of research that combines both summaries and analysis of relevant literature while linking your own purpose and rationale
  • Unlike other types of reviews (integrated, scoping, etc), narrative reviews do not have hard and fast rules associated with them - your perspective is what guides the review
  • A narrative review acts as a foundation for your own research project by bringing attention to the "gaps" in existing research, thus providing justification for further research on a topic
  • A well-written review gathers from many relevant sources, identifies gaps and limitations in existing research, and shows your awareness and insight into offering differing arguments, theories, and approaches
  • Reviews can be used in many different literatures
  • Reviews are NEVER a list or an annotated bibliography

What is the purpose of a narrative review?

In general

  • Establishes what is already known about a topic
  • Shows what methods have been used to investigate a research topic
  • Allows each field to be constantly reviewed and reexamined through innovative methods
  • Can be utilized as a teaching tool (Ex: Important things to know about ____)

For students

  • Ensures that you are not duplicating existing research (especially important for graduate/PhD students looking for thesis ideas)
  • Demonstrates your knowledge of your field and your ability to research and inform