Literature Review
What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a fundamental component of academic writing, typically placed at the beginning of a paper. It serves to inform readers about the specific research that has been conducted on the topic and provides a comprehensive overview of existing literature. This section not only presents the context of the research but also demonstrates how the study fits into the broader field, offering valuable insights into the subject matter. In essence, the literature review serves as the foundation upon which the research is built.
Like most essays and scholarly articles, a literature review typically consists of the following sections:
Introduction
- An introduction to the key theories and concepts relevant to the area of study or research interest.
Main Body
- A structured organization of sources, starting from broader concepts and narrowing down to more specific aspects of the topic.
- An identification of gaps or limitations in the existing research.
Conclusion
- A concise summary of the review, illustrating how the existing literature informs and supports the research, while also highlighting areas for further investigation.
In summary, the literature review functions as a narrative of prior research, helping to organize the overall structure of the essay and guiding the direction of the new research.
Referencing
References
References play a crucial role in academic writing by allowing readers to trace the origin of sources and assess their credibility. It is essential to ensure that the references used in research are accurate and derived from primary sources, rather than secondary sources such as websites that merely quote the original material.
Several tools and websites are available to assist with proper referencing:
- Zotero
https://www.zotero.org - EndNote
https://endnote.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqJQH4ju2mjZwt9KPkPqCgitNfGJrpV4eODsqx8qCaKF5w9xg00 - Mendeley
https://www.mendeley.com
Additionally, when citing the names of films, video games, or similar works, they should be italicized. Furthermore, the first mention of a film or other significant work should include the name of the director and the year of release.
Research Topic Update
About the Topic:
Initially, my research topic was titled “Emotional Engagement and Visual Metaphors in Pixar’s Narrative Tropes: A Critical Analysis of Character Development and Audience Connection.” However, after discussing the topic with my tutor, he suggested that while the subject was promising, it might be more effective to frame it as a research question. Possible alternatives included questions such as “How do Pixar films promote emotional engagement?” or “How do Pixar films differentiate from other animated films?”
Based on this advice, I have decided to revise my research topic to:
“What techniques do Pixar films use to promote emotional engagement, and how do they differ from other animation studios?”
Upon finalizing the topic, I will proceed with conducting research and begin drafting the literature review.