FOCUS QUESTION

How do you build a literature review that finds the gap?

The map breaks this topic into its core concepts, connected by labeled relationships. Each link is written so it can be read as a complete statement — not just an unlabeled line between boxes.

Concepts and relationships

  • Literature Review begins with Search Strategy.
  • Search Strategy finds Sources.
  • Sources evaluated by Critique.
  • Sources grouped into Themes.
  • Themes combined in Synthesis.
  • Synthesis reveals Gaps.
  • Sources recorded as Citations.

How to read this map

Follow from a search strategy to sources, then how sources are critiqued, grouped into themes, synthesized and used to reveal gaps.

Learning objectives

  • Plan a search strategy.
  • Critique and group sources.
  • Synthesize across sources.
  • Identify research gaps.
Review standard: The workflow reflects widely taught academic-writing conventions. Sources: Standard academic-writing style guides.