A literature review (often referred to as a narrative review) is an overview and appraisal of research that has been conducted in a particular area. It can be used as a framework to inform the development of future research by identifying gaps in the literature.

The purpose of a literature review is to:

• inform your audience of current ideas, research or debate that is happening in your field 
• evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of previously published work 
• point out gaps in the literature or identify problems / issues remaining to be solved
• provide the context for your own research and justify the relevance and significance of your approach 
• establish your credibility as a knowledgeable researcher in this field

Topic of question: provides a summary or overview of the topic and may not focus on one single question.

Search strategy: strategy often not included in the written review and does not require the presentation of the more rigorous aspects characteristic of a systematic review such as reporting methodology, search terms and databases used. Relevant studies are hand sifted and selected based on own subject knowledge.

Time frame: weeks to months.

Number of reviewers: one or more.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria to review studies: does not require inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Jahan, N., Naveed, S., Zeshan, M. and Tahir, M.A., 2016. 'How to Conduct a Systematic Review: A Narrative Literature Review', Cureus, vol. 8, no.11, p. e864. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.864

Image reads: Select topic > Search literature > Read, analyse, critique > Summarise state of research & identify gaps > Write review & suggest next steps