How to Write a Strong Literature Review (Chapter 2 Dissertation Tips) - Dr. Lucy Wells-Johnson

lucywellsconsultin
Aug 21
3 min read

Updated: Aug 23

If Chapter 1 (the introduction) is the foundation of your dissertation, Chapter 2 (the literature review) is the framing. It gives your research a strong structure by showing how your study connects to the existing body of knowledge. For many students, though, the literature review feels intimidating. With so much research out there, where do you even begin?

The good news is that with the right preparation, Chapter 2 can become one of the most rewarding parts of your dissertation. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Dissertation Literature Review — Struggling with Chapter 2

1. Understand the Purpose

Before diving in, get clear on why the literature review matters. Its purpose is to:

Show what’s already been studied in your field
Identify gaps in knowledge your study can fill
Establish the theoretical or conceptual framework for your research
Demonstrate that you understand and can critically evaluate the scholarship

Keeping these goals in mind will help you stay focused instead of getting lost in endless reading.

2. Develop a Search Strategy

Don’t just open Google Scholar and type in random words. Create a plan.

Identify keywords and synonyms related to your topic
Select databases (PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, ProQuest, etc.) that fit your discipline
Set filters for peer-reviewed articles, recent publications, or other criteria as required by your program

Having a strategy saves time and ensures your review is comprehensive.

3. Stay Organized from Day One

Dissertation students often collect dozens (or hundreds) of articles. Staying organized is non-negotiable.

Use a reference manager like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to track citations
Create a summary chart or matrix with columns for author, year, method, findings, and notes
Color-code or tag themes so you can easily group studies together later

4. Read with a Purpose

Not every article needs to be read in full. Skim abstracts and conclusions first to determine relevance. When reading in depth, ask:

What is the main question or problem?
What methods were used?
What were the findings?
How does this study connect or contrast with others I’ve read?

5. Organize by Themes, Not Authors

A common mistake is writing a literature review that reads like a list of summaries (“Smith said this, Jones said that”). Instead, synthesize by grouping studies into themes, debates, or methodological trends. For example:

Theme 1: Barriers to telehealth adoption
Theme 2: Patient satisfaction outcomes
Theme 3: Policy implications

This approach shows that you can think critically and connect the dots.

6. Identify the Gaps

The heart of Chapter 2 lies in identifying where the literature falls short. Maybe prior studies focus on urban populations while rural communities are understudied, or perhaps most research uses quantitative methods while qualitative insights are lacking. Highlighting these gaps is how you justify the need for your study.

7. Draft an Outline Before Writing

Before you start writing paragraphs, create a detailed outline of your themes and sub-themes. This acts as your roadmap and prevents writer’s block. A solid outline might include:

Introduction to the chapter
Major themes (with sub-themes and supporting studies)
Theoretical/conceptual framework
Gaps in the literature
Summary/transition to Chapter 3

Final Thoughts

Chapter 2 isn’t just a hurdle; it’s your opportunity to position yourself as an expert in your field. By preparing strategically, organizing your resources, and writing thematically, you’ll create a literature review that builds a strong foundation for your research.

👉 Need help getting started? At Doctorate Done Right, we offer one-on-one coaching and tools to help you structure, organize, and write a compelling literature review. Don’t drown in articles, let’s create a clear plan together.