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Nursing 360

What is a Literature Review?

Stack of books

  • A literature review is both a summary and analysis of the relevant, available research and non research on a specific topic. Knowledge gaps, or gaps in the research could not be identified without a review!
  • A review summarizes and critiques a body of literature and draws conclusions about the topic, it is not an annotated bibliography and it does not present new data but the findings from previous research.
  • Provides the reader with comprehensive background for understanding current knowledge of a topic.
  • Inspires research ideas by identifying gaps or inconsistencies and helps avoid research duplication.
  • Provides a constructive analysis.
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