What is a Literature Review?

How many types of literature review do we have and which one is applicable to Political science?

How to arrive at Gap in literature?

Literature review is an integral part of the project and this is where most supervisors will complain about "copy and paste" if not done properly.

A literature review in political science to be precise involves systematically examining and reviewing scholarly works related to a specific topic or research question. This process helps to identify theories, concepts, methodologies, and findings, as well as gaps in the existing literature.

The key steps for conducting a literature review in political science:

1. Define the Research variables. 

Research Question: Clearly define the research question or hypothesis you intend to explore. The easiest way to do a proper review thematically in political science is to first define the variables in your research question, for instance: using the research question, Does the trade relationship with France undermine the economic stability of Francophone west African countries, 2015-2023?. To define the research variables, it'll become Trade relationship with France and economic stability of Francophone west African countries. This will enable you make the research easily by searching on the two variables independently.

2. Search for Relevant Literature on the variables.

• Databases: Use academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, PubMed, and political science-specific resources like APSA (American Political Science Association).
• Keywords: Develop a list of relevant keywords and search terms to use in these databases. E.g: Neo-colonial trade relationship between France and francophone west African countries.
• Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Set criteria for what types of literature will be included (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, books, conference papers) and excluded

3. Review and Analyze the Literature

• Start by taking note of the scholars of each text you're reviewing(you're still going to need it when compiling your bibliography). Most reviews on a text starts with Benjamin(2000, Benjamin & Freeman, 2001). This is to enable you understand the importance of citation in any work.
• Thematic Analysis: Identify common themes, patterns, and trends in the literature. Pay attention to how different studies relate to each other and remember this is where you can locate the gap in any literature you reviewed. 

 4. Organize the Literature

• Thematic Organization: Group the literature based on common themes or topics. Literature review in political science, Some universities are grouped under at least 2 or more subthemes, and this themes must come from your research questions 1 and 2

 5. Synthesize the Literature

• Compare and Contrast: Discuss how the various studies compare to and contrast with each other. This is where you get your gaps, by comparing the trends or interplays between different literatures, you can be able to locate a gap in those concepts where those scholars did not write about or didn't write on extensively.
• Identify Gaps: Highlight any gaps or areas where further research is needed.