Critically Reviewing Literature: A Tutorial for New Researchers

Critically reviewing the literature is an indispensible skill which is used throughout a research career. This demystifies the processes involved in systematically and critically reviewing the literature to demonstrate knowledge, identify research ideas and questions, position research and develop theory. A three stage model (assembling, arranging and assessing), each with two interrelated steps, is presented and discussed, along with practical tips and helpful examples. Although aimed primarily at research students, this information in this article will also be useful for research supervisors who wish to find ways to pass along their tacit knowledge related to this critical research skill.