The Literature Review

Six Steps to Success
Fifth Edition
Lawrence A. Machi - University of La Verne, USA
Brenda T. McEvoy - Independent Writer/ Researcher
The Literature Review
August 2025 | 304 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9798348810214
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781071974896
Available from January 0001

Description

Expert guidance and cutting-edge tools for every researcher.

Complex, time-consuming, and steeped in methodologies, conducting a literature review can often feel overwhelming. A go-to resource for researchers for nearly 20 years, The Literature Review simplifies the process with a structured six-step model to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic—and, of course, write the review.

The fifth edition of this bestselling book includes step-by-step guidance on how to use artificial intelligence ethically and effectively across the six steps of the literature review process. Additional features of this thoroughly updated guide include: 

  • Practical checklists, templates, and visuals to support your research at every stage.
  • Reflective exercises, learning tips, and questions to ensure a deeper understanding of each process.
  • Recommendations on transparency and responsibility when utilizing AI in academic research.

Whether you’re embarking on your first literature review or refining your skills, this book equips you with the tools needed to tackle every stage of the literature review process with clarity and precision.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review

Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review

Step 1: Select and Define a Topic

Step 1: Select and Define a Topic

Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation

Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation

Step 3: Search the Literature

Step 3: Search the Literature

Step 4: Survey the Literature

Step 4: Survey the Literature

Step 5: Critique the Literature

Step 5: Critique the Literature

Step 6: Write the Review

Step 6: Write the Review

Supplements

Supplements

Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review

Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review

Supplement B Literature Review

Supplement B Literature Review

Supplement C Writing a Journal

Supplement C Writing a Journal

Supplement D SQRRR

Supplement D SQRRR

Glossary

Glossary

References and Further Reading

References and Further Reading

Description

Expert guidance and cutting-edge tools for every researcher.

Complex, time-consuming, and steeped in methodologies, conducting a literature review can often feel overwhelming. A go-to resource for researchers for nearly 20 years, The Literature Review simplifies the process with a structured six-step model to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic—and, of course, write the review.

The fifth edition of this bestselling book includes step-by-step guidance on how to use artificial intelligence ethically and effectively across the six steps of the literature review process. Additional features of this thoroughly updated guide include: 

  • Practical checklists, templates, and visuals to support your research at every stage.
  • Reflective exercises, learning tips, and questions to ensure a deeper understanding of each process.
  • Recommendations on transparency and responsibility when utilizing AI in academic research.

Whether you’re embarking on your first literature review or refining your skills, this book equips you with the tools needed to tackle every stage of the literature review process with clarity and precision.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review

Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review

Step 1: Select and Define a Topic

Step 1: Select and Define a Topic

Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation

Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation

Step 3: Search the Literature

Step 3: Search the Literature

Step 4: Survey the Literature

Step 4: Survey the Literature

Step 5: Critique the Literature

Step 5: Critique the Literature

Step 6: Write the Review

Step 6: Write the Review

Supplements

Supplements

Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review

Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review

Supplement B Literature Review

Supplement B Literature Review

Supplement C Writing a Journal

Supplement C Writing a Journal

Supplement D SQRRR

Supplement D SQRRR

Glossary

Glossary

References and Further Reading

References and Further Reading

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The Literature Review

Six Steps to Success

Lawrence A. Machi , Brenda T. McEvoy
Cancel Print

August 2025 | 304 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 17/07/2025 9781071974896 $43.95
Lifetime 13/08/2025 9798348810214 $40.00

Expert guidance and cutting-edge tools for every researcher.

Complex, time-consuming, and steeped in methodologies, conducting a literature review can often feel overwhelming. A go-to resource for researchers for nearly 20 years, The Literature Review simplifies the process with a structured six-step model to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic—and, of course, write the review.

The fifth edition of this bestselling book includes step-by-step guidance on how to use artificial intelligence ethically and effectively across the six steps of the literature review process. Additional features of this thoroughly updated guide include: 

  • Practical checklists, templates, and visuals to support your research at every stage.
  • Reflective exercises, learning tips, and questions to ensure a deeper understanding of each process.
  • Recommendations on transparency and responsibility when utilizing AI in academic research.

Whether you’re embarking on your first literature review or refining your skills, this book equips you with the tools needed to tackle every stage of the literature review process with clarity and precision.


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Introduction: Doing and Producing a Literature Review
  • Step 1: Select and Define a Topic
  • Step 2: Develop the Tools of Argumentation
  • Step 3: Search the Literature
  • Step 4: Survey the Literature
  • Step 5: Critique the Literature
  • Step 6: Write the Review
  • Supplements
  • Supplement A The Role of the Literature Review
  • Supplement B Literature Review
  • Supplement C Writing a Journal
  • Supplement D SQRRR
  • Glossary
  • References and Further Reading

Recent Product Reviews:

I love the 6 steps plan—it is doable! The structure of this book encourages readers to develop great research habits. The content material is excellently covered. The section on developing an argument is exceedingly strong . . . I loved the AI sections. These are the sections that I will go back to, which is really exciting. I learned so much!
Neil MacNeill
The book’s organization along the timeline of conducting a literature review is the greatest strength. I like that it follows a logical progression from selecting a topic through the writing of the lit review. The AI sections are one of my favorite parts. They offer clear suggestions for how AI might be incorporated as a research tool.
Jennifer Shettel, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
The structure of the book is very comprehensive. The step-by-step process is clear. The integration of AI in the revised edition and other updates are an added bonus.
Kristopher Kwiatek, Bob Hope Elementary School

Recommendations