How to Conduct a Literature Review for a Capstone Project
A literature review summarizes and evaluates existing research on a topic. It provides context for your own project and helps you identify gaps in the current knowledge. Here’s how to conduct a comprehensive literature review:
1. Define Your Research Question
Clarify your research question before starting the literature review. This will help you focus on sources that are directly relevant to your project.
2. Search for Sources
Use academic databases (Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed) to find relevant articles, books, and papers. Focus on peer-reviewed sources, which are more reliable than non-academic publications.
3. Analyze and Organize Sources
As you review the literature, take notes and categorize the findings. Look for common themes, methodologies, and gaps in the research. Group sources by their relevance to different aspects of your project.
4. Synthesize the Information
In your review, summarize each source’s key points and findings. Compare and contrast the literature, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement. Point out areas that need further exploration.
5. Discuss Gaps in the Research
Identify any gaps or limitations in the current literature that your project will address. This shows that your research is contributing something new to the field.
These guides cover key steps in writing a capstone project, including selecting a topic, structuring your paper, analyzing data, and writing the proposal. By following these steps, you can create a well-organized, impactful capstone project that demonstrates your research skills and academic growth.
