The Literature Review: A Step-By-Step Guide For Students Second Edition

′The Literature Review is a clearly written and easily accessible self-guided introduction packed with detailed examples. It′s especially useful for budding researchers unfamiliar with crafting literature reviews that support strong theory development and empirical testing. I recommend it to every first-year doctoral student′ –
Michael R. Hyman
Distinguished Achievement Professor, New Mexico State University

Thank you very much for this insepction copy. This book is current and comprehensive. It includes useful consideration of referencing software. It has a particulalry easy to follow format with lots of text boxes and excercises. It is particularly useful for those new to literature searching. — Annie Pettifer ― drupal Published On: 2015-03-11

Understanding and writing literature reviews is a challenge most undergraduates and indeed postgraduates need systematic support which is provided in this book by Diana Ridley. It addresses key questions and serves as a useful guideline both for beginners and more experienced students and researchers. — Christian Schnee ― drupal Published On: 2013-03-10

Excellent guide to literature review section of undergrad and Masters dissertations, which is recommended to dissertation students and on the bibliography for both modules. Some useful supplemental info (e.g. about relative merits of use of citations in sentences or in brackets etc) — Dr Andrew King ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-27

student friendly text and recommended for students at post graduate and also undergraduate level. — Dr Brian Nyatanga ― drupal Published On: 2012-12-04

This is a useful guide and one which I recommend to those students i supervise. — Dr Calum Neill ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-06

An essential guide for any students writing literature reviews at masters and PhD level. — Dr Casey Wilson ― drupal Published On: 2013-01-18

Excellent book, providing very good guidance on how to conduct a literature review. — Dr Dafni Papoutsaki ― drupal Published On: 2022-04-07

An excellent text providing students (and tutors) with some essential detail concerning an often neglected area that is essential for students doing any kind of research. All too often students are encouraged to read methods texts, but rarely read advice on how to conduct an appropriate literature review. — Dr Daniel Bloyce ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-17

This is a very good book that helps guide students through the steps needed to both undertake and write a literature review. — Dr Denis Feather ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-11

My students have found this book so helpful. The step-by-step approach offers clarity and helps build students′ confidence in conducting a literature review. — Dr Dzintra Stalmeisters ― drupal Published On: 2015-04-21

This book provides detailed insights into carrying out the reserach for a literature review. Also it provides excellent step-by-step guidance in the writing process. — Dr EIRA WYN PATTERSON ― drupal Published On: 2014-04-23

Solid introduction to conducting a literature review – very useful for undergraduates and beginner postgraduates. Helpful examples and case studies that emphasise the logical/ practical reasons behind the conventions of academic writing. Also includes useful tips on recent technological developments, such as social bookmarking and reference managers. Recommended. — Dr Florentina Taylor ― drupal Published On: 2013-04-04

This is a very comprehensive text, which is very accessible for undergraduates. I have found it particularly helpful for students undertaking a library-based project. — Dr Gill Forrester ― drupal Published On: 2013-04-30

This book met my expectations as a useful resource to support students′ study. I recommend it therefore to my students. — Dr Grace Lees-Maffei ― drupal Published On: 2013-10-22

It is an useful course book for the students who are going to follow a research master. In the book, there are not only concepts of literature review addressed, but also samples are given to help students to understand better what they need to do and how to do. This book is also a good reference for the students who are about to work on their master theses. — Dr Haibo Zhou ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-31

A user friendly guide, easy to follow, and offering some useful reminders and insights into what can often be a confusing process to students. I would certainly add this to my list of recommended books on the topic. — Dr Helen Scott ― drupal Published On: 2013-03-12

Very good book as a guideline — Dr Ibrahim Alsahouly ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-31

The literature review is an important but often poorly implemented part of any student thesis so it is good to see a text that comprehensively explores this topic in a clear step-by-step format with lots of useful examples. — Dr Ivan Gee ― drupal Published On: 2013-09-09

This is one of the books which will be recommended for our 2nd and 3rd years UG students in preparation for their dissertations. — Dr Kamil Zwolski ― drupal Published On: 2013-07-26

Absolutely vital book if you want to save time and pain in learning how to conduct a literature review. Very easy to follow. — Dr Matt Birks ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-30

Great improvements to the latest version! This book is in all my lists of recommended reading especially to all Masters and PhD students for their dissertations and thesis. — Dr May Seitanidi ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-07

The Literature Review is a relevant text book to assist novice researchers from planning their literature review up until writing the report. — Dr Mignon Van Vreden ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-17

This is an excellent book for my students. — Dr Olatunde Aremu ― drupal Published On: 2013-11-21

A very useful guide for new researchers. — Dr Pam Jones ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-31

Very useful book that illustrates and demonstrates principles and general structure of literature reviews. Particulalrly useful for students who have to organize and write-up their dissertations. — Dr Paul Elsner ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-27

Very accessible, offering a good balance between theory and practice. — Dr Pauline Fatien Diochon ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-02

A well layed out text that concisely addressed the component parts of a literature review.
The examples were very useful and practical. — Dr Pauline Meskell ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-09

A good text with clear step by step method with examples to help the students write a excellent literature review. The tables in the textbook are good reference material for the students. — Dr Praveen Bhugra ― drupal Published On: 2013-01-18

I like this a lot. It is not as daunting as Chris Hart′s excellent guide. Readable – does what it says and takes students through it step by step. — Dr Rebecca ORourke ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-10

Masters students often struggle with identifying the right approach for the literature review. This is as it says ′ a step-by-step guide for students. It contains useful chapters on different purposes of the review and activities that will help guide the student alongside providing many useful tips and directions. A desirable text where students need this additional support. — Dr Ruth Pilkington ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-07

Literature review is an essential part of an article and a thesis. What it (literature review) means and how best it should be done has been spelt out in a step-by-step analysis by Diana Ridley.
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— Dr Sam Usadolo ― drupal Published On: 2012-12-14

Overall, this is excellent, especially the examples provided in the text. It is short, sharp and to the point. Love the chapter on critical thinking, excellent material. — Dr SEAMUS KELLY ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-09

This book provides a comprehensive description of different types and aims of a literature review. Many students think of the literature review as a mere list of all published papers; I believe this book will help them focusing their thoughts and writing (thus saving them time). — Dr Simonetta Longhi ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-24

An excellent, concise text that is well-suited to both undergraduate & Master′s dissertations. — Dr Steve Moores ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-14

Nice, easily accessible overview of and guidance to the literature review. Good alternative to the traditional standard text on literature reviews by Hart — Dr Tobias Jung ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-04

This is an excellent introduction to the literature review process for PhD students and masters level students — Dr Val Mitchell ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-11

This is a very clear book which is suitable for masters and other research levels
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— Dr Valerie Sparkes ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-18

An informative and readable text which provides clear guidance on using literature in research activities. Contains some clear examples which provide useful illustrations to aid understanding — Gwenda Scriven ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-01

This is a great book to recommend to your students who are in Year 2, Semester 2. It gets them thinking about how to begin their literature review prior to starting their dissertation. We will be using this in addition to our required text. — Miss Aimee Smith ― drupal Published On: 2013-01-10

An ideal background book for students studying evidence as part of their degree. — Miss Alison Edwards ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-09

I reccommend this to students new to a literature review. — Miss Carol Reid ― drupal Published On: 2013-06-05

Very useful as a text on one element of a dissertation — Miss Donna Luck ― drupal Published On: 2014-03-07

An excellent text which will serve as a very helpful companion for students undertaking literature review work. We plan to recommend this text for students who are using literature review as the main methodology in their dissertation studies. — Miss Hannah Spring ― drupal Published On: 2013-08-14

Helpful for students at all levels. The framework is useful for students trying to grasp a complicated procedure. The systematic literature review chapter is a nice addition. A great resource for students. — Miss Rebecca Wheeler ― drupal Published On: 2014-04-07

A very clear, easy to read text, providing students with excellent guidance for completion of dissertation projects. This book is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students and will enhance research and writing skills. — Miss Tracy Ramsey ― drupal Published On: 2014-02-17

This book is wonderful, it offers students a step by step walk through of undertaking a literature review in a logical and user friendly way. I believe it is an essential read for students as soon as they begin the final project (dissertation). — Mr Andrea Cassidy ― drupal Published On: 2013-07-01

very well written, extremely useful for students at PG level — Mr Andrew Holmes ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-06

The book is very useful and I have it on my methodological reading list — Mr Bob Smale ― drupal Published On: 2013-05-01

This is a useful text for students and I have used ideas from this text in advising students. — Mr Brian Critchley ― drupal Published On: 2013-02-04

A useful text that is clearly written and accessible to students. There are many handy hints and examples to aid understanding, and the logical, step-by-step approach helps readers see the relevance of structure when writing a review. The tasks within the chapters also help readers develop their own skills and thinking processes. — Mr Colin Thain ― drupal Published On: 2013-03-22

This is a useful supplementary text for this module. There are several well-written chapters that assist readers in searching for, identifying and judging the quality of published research which are important skills in learning to understand and apply research within practice. They are also valuable skills in academic study generally, and so the book will prove useful for students as they progress through their course. — Mr Colin Thain ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-28

A good introduction for undergraduates and above. — Mr Dave Langcaster ― drupal Published On: 2014-03-22

An excellent, well structured guide to the literature review with useful examples integrated throughout. — Mr David Gilding ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-11

clearly developed book with insight and practical guidance — Mr David Higgins ― drupal Published On: 2013-06-25

Valuable additon to texts for research methodologies and major study modules — Mr David Powell ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-20

An excellent text, especially for students in their final year preparing for a research dissertation. — Mr Derek Johnson ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-09

This book is an excellent read and delivers on the promise of a step by step guide to writing a literature review. Throughout the book the author gives very good examples that students can relate to. — Mr Eric Bates ― drupal Published On: 2013-06-08

Helpful not only to the students but to me as well — Mr Femi Adisa ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-07

this book is used as essential — Mr Gary Roberts ― drupal Published On: 2014-05-15

A user friendly approach to Literature review. The structure will make circumventure easier for students. — Mr Gerald Mensah-Coker ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-19

This book was useful but due to the broad spectrum of the module can only be used as a suppliment to the course — Mr Gerard Ryan ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-21

Easy to follow step by step guide on how to conduct a literature review.
Would recommend this book — Mr Gilbert Regan ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-10

Ideal for this module as the students complete a group academic report then an individual essay. — Mr Ian Watson ― drupal Published On: 2013-04-25

The text book is well laid out and covers the necessay information required to conduct a comprehensive litertaure review.
The writing style adopted by the author is one which is easy to read and free flowing.
This is a definite recommendation to undergrad and postgrad students. — Mr Ioannis Dermitzakis ― drupal Published On: 2013-07-10

A clearly laid out and informative book that students can follow quite readily from level 5 to a more practical application @ level 6. The chapter summaries are a useful aude memoire and the tables are clear and self explanatory. A very ′readable′ textbook. — Mr JOHN BILHAM ― drupal Published On: 2013-01-22

An easy to read text, well set out that should allow the novice to go step by step through the process. — Mr JOHN BILHAM ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-01

This was an interesting and easy to use book — Mr Maurice Slaven ― drupal Published On: 2014-03-20

I have used this book on a number of occasions in tutorials and found it invaluable. I have two Masters thesis students and have recommended to them to buy this book as it is a very reasonable price but contains a load of valuable information. I highly recommend this book. — Mr Neil Van Dokkum ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-09

Useful for new researchers. — Mr Paul Demetriou-Crane ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-06

Just what most PG research students need when starting out on the road to their doctorate. Presents key ideas logically and in sequence. — Mr Paul Kiff ― drupal Published On: 2013-04-28

I was a little disappointed in this book and whilst telling students about it I felt it wasn′t worth them purchasing a copy. — Mr Peter Mounsey ― drupal Published On: 2013-06-07

Good update on first edition of a very readable guide which is very popular with our students.
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It complements other titles in the series. It does not however give any clear details 9that I can see0 about how to access the companion website?
— Mr Peter Murphy ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-09

I would recommend this to all students undertaking literature reviews at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is highly readable and offers what is says: a step by step guide. — Mr Peter Simcock ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-02

This is an excellent book, clearly written and suitable for undergraduate students.
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It outlines the purpose of literature review and gives good information about note taking and how be critical.
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This book should help my students with the part of the research process to often struggle with. — Mr Peter Wisener ― drupal Published On: 2014-07-01

Good and valuable
— Mr Philip Ashwell ― drupal Published On: 2013-08-06

This book is essential reading for all masters and doctoral students. Not only does it serve as handbook for conducting a literature review but it also provides valuable guidance that ensures the successful completion of research projects. — Mr Rory Du Plessis ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-14

Used and recommended occasionally with students who I see on a one-to-one basis — Mr Rupert Walsh ― drupal Published On: 2014-02-07

The new edition really hits the spot in terms of carefully offering a refreshed, up-to-date take on the original. Some of the basic changes to the look of the text should not be underestimated – if a textbook I recommend looks user-friendly and accessible, I tend to find that more of my students will have actively read it for the module. — Mr Russell Delderfield ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-04

A clearly structure and comprehensive guide for students who are relatively new to academic writing. — Mr Russell Spink ― drupal Published On: 2013-03-20

Good guide to the process involved in completing a literature review — Mr Simon Nixon ― drupal Published On: 2012-12-17

Useful references and ideas. Will help students on post graduate courses who have little research experience — Mr Stefan Brown ― drupal Published On: 2014-02-06

An excellent read for students new to Lit Reviews – not only Business related research projects — Mr Steve Billcliffe ― drupal Published On: 2014-01-26

This is a good, succinct guide to doing a literature review. It is compact and user friendly.I shall recommend it to my students and use it myself to inform my work as a supervisor of undergraduates doing their dissertations. — Mr Terry Burridge ― drupal Published On: 2012-10-10

Highly useful for our dissertation students. — Mr Timothy Brown ― drupal Published On: 2013-09-13

Nicely laid out – important for a topic not immediately attractive for students – with sound advice, guidance and tips. — Mr William Spence ― drupal Published On: 2013-04-26

Very good book which gives tips and guidance for conducting literature review – easy to read and very helpful. — Mrs Alicia Hawkes ― drupal Published On: 2013-09-09

Felt it was a useful tool and good to have a wide variety of choice to appeal to differing learning styles. — Mrs Amy Stubbs ― drupal Published On: 2012-11-15

an excellent guide to those new to research and large academic assignments as well as those undertaking PhD research. — Mrs Anne Smith ― drupal Published On: 2013-03-06

A very easy read with the chapters clearly set out. some good learning points highlighted. — Mrs Barbara Chambers ― drupal Published On: 2012-12-17

The greatest value of this text is that it enables students to individually learn about how to conduct a literature search and to write a literature review. Students will find especially useful numerous examples of best practice. — Mrs Beata Kviatek – Simanska ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-15

This book is clearly set out with accessible text and activities for students. I am recommending this text as supplemental to other texts for the proposed reading lists for Year 2 & 3 of the BSc Children′s Nurse programme.
Thank you — Mrs Beverley Embling ― drupal Published On: 2013-01-21

A comprehensive book, great for dipping into and reading appropriate sections. For our Access students it is too advanced. A good book for their future degree studies. — Mrs Christine Deeley ― drupal Published On: 2012-09-06

Highly recommended for trainees writing a dissertation as part of the PGCE Primary course. — Mrs Delyth Roberts ― drupal Published On: 2013-09-10

A detailed book which is essential reading for anyone doing a literature research project. — Mrs Diane Davies ― drupal Published On: 2013-05-01

This book is written very clearly and is indeed, a step-by-step guide. Throughout, checklists, tasks, examples and chapter summaries at the start and overviews provide clear guidance and support in each chapter. Explaining how different researchers adopt a critical approach in their writing is comprehensive and useful. Chapter 11: A Systematic Literature review is extremely clear providing a focussed rationale, the process and different approaches to analysis and synthesis of data. — Mrs Irene Scott ― drupal Published On: 2012-08-22

The complete guide to doing a literature search and review also contains a wealth of features to calm students overwhelmed at the prospect of doing their dissertation or thesis