The Textual Features of the Genre

The literature review is a delicate play between the voices of the field, and the way you bring them together in a synthesis and interpretation. In the literature review chapter of the dissertation, your principal aim is not to say what you think—you will be able to do that in the introduction, the chapters presenting your findings, and the conclusion. Instead, you want to map out the field, fairly representing its varied voices including definitions, theories, presenting the scholarly differences and debates – and data from reports. The open questions, tensions and gaps you find in the field will lead to your topic and research questions.

Web Tips

Here are some resources addressing the textual dynamics of a literature review:

Although a Wikipedia entry is not a literature review, its general guide to creating a text that downplays the authors’ voice is a good one for literature reviews. Look at the Literature Review entry for an example of this style.
Demystifying the Literature Review (UIUC Library)
Introduction to Literature Reviews
The Genre of Research Articles: The Literature Review Section
Genres in Academic Writing: Literature Reviews
Differences between a Good and a Poor Literature Review
What is a Lit. Review?
What is a Literature Review?
Literature Review Genre Conventions
Write a Literature Review
Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students (video)
Literature Review Basics (link to more links)
APA Citations (UIUC Library)
Write a Killer Literature Review (Udemy course)

References: On Academic Writing

You may also wish to take a moment to reflect on academic writing in general. Much academic writing is (frankly!) poor writing. Here are some readings and source books you may find useful:

Goodson, P. (2017). Becoming an academic writer. Sage.
Strunk, W. and White, E.B. (1979). Elements of style. Longman.
Sword, H. (2012). Stylish academic writing. Harvard University Press.
The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff. 2017. The Chicago Manual of Style.  University of Chicago Press. Online edition.
Coursera Academic Writing Course.
Boote, D. N. and Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational Researcher 34(6):3–15.
Galvan, J. L. (2006). Writing a literature review: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences. Pyrczak Publishing.
Machi, L. A. & McEvoy, B.T. (2016). The literature review. Corwin.