An EPQ literature review evaluates existing research, books, and articles related to your topic. This review helps:
- Identify gaps in current research.
- Support your research question.
- Provide context for your project.
A literature review EPQ must be well-structured, critical, and focused on your objectives. You build a solid foundation for your arguments and insights by analysing multiple sources.
Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Literature Review
The first step in crafting a literature review is understanding its purpose. For an EPQ, the literature review demonstrates your ability to engage with academic sources and construct a well-informed narrative.
When defining your purpose:
- Clearly state your research question.
- Identify themes or trends in your field of study.
- Decide which sources are most relevant to your project.
For instance, if your EPQ explores the effects of technology on education, focus on reviewing sources that address this relationship.
Step 2: Research and Collect Relevant Sources
Effective research is the backbone of a successful EPQ literature review. Use academic databases, journals, books, and credible websites to gather information.
Tips for efficient research:
- Use keywords like “technology in education” or “digital learning impacts.”
- Evaluate the credibility of your sources.
- Keep track of references for citation purposes.
When gathering materials for your epq literature review example, select a mix of recent studies and foundational works to provide a balanced perspective.
Step 3: Organize Your Review
A well-organized literature review enhances clarity and readability. Divide your review into sections based on themes or research findings.
Typical structure of a literature review EPQ:
- Introduction: Briefly outline your research question and the scope of your review.
- Main Body: Discuss sources in detail, comparing and contrasting findings.
- Conclusion: Summarize key insights and their implications for your EPQ.
Use headings and subheadings to make your review easy to follow. Bullet points or tables can also help summarize findings from different studies.
Step 4: Analyze and Critically Evaluate
Simply summarizing sources is not enough. Your literature review must critically evaluate the content to highlight its relevance to your research question.
Critical evaluation involves:
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses in the research.
- Discussing methodological approaches.
- Highlighting gaps that your EPQ will address.
For example, if a study discusses the benefits of digital learning but lacks practical data, mention this gap in your review.
Step 5: Write and Revise
With your research and structure in place, start writing your literature review. Ensure your language is formal, clear, and concise.
Writing tips:
- Use transitional phrases to link ideas.
- Avoid overloading with direct quotes; paraphrase where possible.
- Follow citation guidelines to reference your sources correctly.
After writing, revise your work to check for logical flow and grammar errors. A polished review reflects your dedication and understanding of the topic.
