Some Possible Ways of Structuring a Literature Review
Chronological organisation
The discussion of the research /articles is ordered according to an historical
or developmental context.
The 'Classic' studies organisation
A discussion or outline of the major writings regarded as significant in
your area of study. (Remember that in nearly all research there are 'benchmark'
studies or articles that should be acknowledged).
Topical or thematic organisation
The research is divided into sections representing the categories or conceptual
subjects for your topic. The discussion is organised into these categories
or subjects.
Inverted pyramid organisation
The literature review begins with a discussion of the related literature
from a broad perspective. It then deals with more and more specific or
localised studies which focus increasingly on the specific question at
hand.
