什么是 literature review A literature review is a description of the literature relevant to a particular field or topic. It gives an overview of what has been said， who the key writers are， what are the prevailing theories and hypotheses， what questions are being asked， and what methods and methodologies are appropriate and useful. As such， it is not in itself primary research， but rather it reports on other findings.

A literature review may be purely descriptive， as in an annotated bibliography， or it may provide a critical assessment of the literature in a particular field， stating where the weaknesses and gaps are， contrasting the views of particular authors， or raising questions. Such a review will not just be a summary but will also evaluate and show relationships between different material， so that key themes emerge. Even a descriptive review however should not just list and paraphrase， but should add comment and bring out themes and trends.

A literature review should never be just a list， as in the example below:

"Until recently many researchers have shown interest in the field of coastal erosion and the resulting beach profiles. They have carried out numerous laboratory experiments and field observations to illuminate the darkness of this field. Their findings and suggestions are reviewed here.

什么是 literature review JACHOWSKI (1964) developed a model investigation conducted on the interlocking precast concrete block seawall. After a result of a survey of damages caused by the severe storm at the coast of USA， a new and especially shaped concrete block was developed for use in shore protection. This block was designed to be used in a revetment type seawall that would be both durable and economical as well as reduce wave run-up and overtopping， and scour at its base or toe. It was proved that effective shore protection could be designed utilizing these units.

HOM-MA and HORIKAWA (1964) studied waves forces acting on the seawall which was located inside the surf zone. On the basis of the experimental results conducted to measure waves forces against a vertical wall， the authors proposed an empirical formula of wave pressure distribution on a seawall. The computed results obtained by using the above formula were compared well with the field data of wave pressure on a vertical wall.

Define the problem

It is important to define the problem or area which you wish to address. Having a purpose for your literature review will narrow the scope of what you need to look out for when you read.

Analyse the findings

What themes emerge and what conclusions can be drawn? What are the major similarities and differences between the various writers? Are there any significant questions which emerge and which could form a basis for further investigation?

You are now at the stage when you can write up your literature review.

How to organize a literature review

There are a number of ways of organizing a literature review. Here is one suggestion:

1. Introduction: define the topic， together with your reason for selecting the topic. You could also point out overal trends， gaps， particular themes that emerge， etc.， as in the previous Cooper (1988) quote.

2. Body: this is where you discuss your sources. Here are some ways in which you could organize your discussion:

o chronologically: for example， if writers' views have tended to change over time. There is little point in doing the review by order of publication unless this shows a clear trend