Reviews

A research review, or literature review, is a piece of writing that summarizes and evaluates the significant research to date on a given line of inquiry. Contrast this with an empirical research report article, which emphasizes the methods and results of one particular research study, not a whole line of research.

Publications such as the Annual Review of Psychology compile articles that summarize research on a topic and provoke discovery, reflection, and discussion that will lead to new research activity. Occasionally, an entire book may serve as a review for expecially rich research tracks. (See the link under "Scholarly books.")

For information on writing literature reviews, follow this link to a handout from the UW Psychology Writing Center.