Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography doesn't require you to read the material at any depth. I have done a couple in my time and you really skim the material. At the end of the day you may only read the abstracts.

People who read your literature review assume that you have read the material; and not only read it; but synthesised it and understood it; turned it into a tool for your own purposes, whatever your research may be.

An annotated bibliography is a very useful secondary source for a literature review, so I see it as a step toward a literature review, but not the same as a literature review. (Daniella Stehlik)

Q. When do you start your literature review?

I insist that students start their literature review very early in the process. In fact, if I have a third or final year student wanting to do a masters or honours with me, I will encourage them, over the Christmas holidays before they enroll, to read widely and find out what is out there. (Peter Reaburn)

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	Contact: Debbie Orr d.orr@cqu.edu.au