Research Methods in Recreation and Leisure Studies: Literature Review

Your literature review explores and describes previously published information about your research topic. Think of your literature review as an overview of the published information that informs the study you are about to create. 

Your literature review should include information like the following:

• background information on your topic
• sources that explore multiple approaches to your research question
• sources that inform your approach to research, including any research that informs your creation of a hypothesis or your study design 
• studies that are critical to your topic and/or field

Get creative with your search terms: 

Choose 1-3 words or phrases (2-3 words commonly found together) in your research question that you can use in an advanced search. Think of 1-2 words related to each keyword to expand your search options. Your question establishes the parameters (limits and extent) of your research, so use it to your advantage. 

Does hippotherapy reduce recovery time for back injuries in young adults? 

Hippotherapy: horseback riding, physical therapy 

"Recovery time:" healing, injury complications

"Back injuries:" "back muscles," spine, soft tissue repair, muscle repair 

• Find commonly-used words in titles, abstracts, and descriptions of the articles in your initial search to create new searches and get a good overview of the information available. 
• Look at the reference lists in relevant articles to find other articles related to your topic. 
• Use subject-specific databases AND the library catalog for maximum coverage. Use the Subject Terms Thesaurus in these databases to find the best search terms.
• Use recent information, but be sure to include older studies if they are critical to your research topic. 
• Evaluate your information for bias, validity, and appropriateness. 

For most of your research, you will want to use the Advanced Search feature. Now that you know where to find it, here is a tutorial on how to use it!