A literature review is a systematic examination of the scholarly literature about one’s topic. It critically analyzes, evaluates, and synthesizes research findings, theories, and practices by scholars and researchers that are related to an area of focus. In reviewing the literature, the writer should present a comprehensive, critical, and accurate understanding of the current state of knowledge; compare different research studies and theories; reveal gaps in current literature; and indicate what needs to be done to advance what is already known about the topic of choice (p.2).
Efron, S. and Ravid, R. (2019). Writing the literature review. New York: Guilford Press.