Draft an outline for a literature review

Our first time conducting a literature review can be quite daunting. It is not always clear how deep we need to research or which sources deserve the most attention. Generative AI can offer some possible examples to demystify the process.

Explanation

Often, the confusion with literature reviews is just how to structure them. The example below is an example of how you could utilise generative AI to help you overcome the blank page and get started on your literature review.

Example Prompt

“Hello! I'm a third-year undergraduate student at a UK university studying for a BSc in Economics. I've never done a literature review before but have to do one for my 8,000-word dissertation exploring the pros and cons of quantitative easing on UK infrastructure development after the 2008 financial crisis. We've been advised that the literature review needs to explore around eight key pieces of literature. Can you recommend a possible structure for this providing rough word counts for each section so that I don't get off track? Thank you!"

AI response  

Here's how I’d guide you through structuring a literature review for an 8,000-word Economics dissertation:

📚 Suggested Structure for Your Literature Review

🔹 1. Introduction to the Literature Review (500–600 words)

• Explain the purpose of the literature review within your dissertation.
• Briefly outline your research question and why it's important.
• Define key terms: quantitative easing, infrastructure development, 2008 financial crisis.
• Describe your selection criteria for the eight key sources (e.g., relevance, publication date, methodology).

🔹 2. Thematic or Chronological Grouping of Literature (6,400–6,600 words total)

You can organize this section either thematically (e.g., by topic or perspective) or chronologically (e.g., pre- and post-2010 analyses). Here’s a thematic example with rough word counts:

A. Literature on Quantitative Easing Policy (1,000–1,200 words)

• Discuss foundational theories and early evaluations of QE in the UK.
• Include sources that explain its intended macroeconomic effects.

B. Literature on Infrastructure Investment Post-2008 (1,000–1,200 words)

• Explore how infrastructure spending was used as a stimulus.
• Include papers on government policy, public-private partnerships, and regional development.

C. Empirical Studies Linking QE to Infrastructure Outcomes (1,200–1,400 words)

• Focus on studies that attempt to quantify the impact of QE on infrastructure.
• Discuss methodologies used (e.g., regression analysis, case studies).

D. Critiques and Limitations of QE (1,000–1,200 words)

• Present literature that challenges the effectiveness of QE.
• Include concerns about inflation, asset bubbles, or misallocation of resources.

E. Alternative Perspectives or Comparative Studies (1,000–1,200 words)

• Include literature comparing UK QE to other countries (e.g., US, Japan).
• Discuss whether lessons from abroad apply to UK infrastructure.

🔹 3. Synthesis and Gaps in the Literature (400–500 words)

• Summarize key themes and debates.
• Identify gaps or underexplored areas (e.g., long-term infrastructure outcomes, regional disparities).
• Explain how your dissertation will address these gaps.

🔹 4. Conclusion to the Literature Review (300–400 words)

• Recap the main findings from your review.
• Reaffirm the relevance of your research question.
• Transition into your methodology or next chapter.