As researchers or students, using the proper approach to a literature review can influence the depth and impact of your work. Here's an overview of some main techniques and how they may be efficiently implemented.
Thematic approach
The thematic method arranges literature on themes or major concepts rather than chronology or authors. This strategy enables authors to make links between disparate research, exposing trends, inconsistencies, and gaps. It's especially effective for researching difficult issues that cross numerous fields or views.
Chronological approach
This conventional technique presents research in the order in which they were published, allowing for the tracking of a field's progress throughout time. It is especially useful when the growth of a theory, technique, or policy is what is critical literature review to the study's purpose.