Writing a Literature Review

At this point in the process, you have committed to a topic, found resources on it, and now are trying to glean information from those sources. The page linked above provides some note taking tips, ways to avoid plagiarism, and 5 different note taking styles (also described below). Pick the style that works best for you.

• The Cornell Method
• The Outline Method
• The Mapping Method
• The Charting Method
• The Sentence Method

The Cornell Method uses a two-column approach to note taking.

• The first column measures about 2.5 inches.
• The second column (the larger of the two) measures about 6 inches.
• The larger column is the space to take your notes in.
• The smaller column is to be used to create cue words or keywords that describe the information they are taking notes about.
• At the very bottom of the sheet is a two-inch wide space used to summarize in one or two sentences the main concept or idea taken from the resource.

Cornell Notes - wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes

The Outline Method is a very structed way of note-taking.

• The left side of the sheet contains general ideas.
• As you work your way to the right, the information grows increasely more detailed.
• The relationship between ideas and information is carried out through the indentation.

The Mapping Method is a very visual way of organizing your notes and information.

• It makes use of graphical representation of information content.
• It involves writing down the concept or terms and radiating the related ideas out of the center.
• You can use lines and symbols to build and link the related ideas.
• It can also be used as a way of brainstorming.

The Charting Method utilizes a chart-structure as a way of organizing your notes.

• Determine the points/topics/subjects that you are trying to find information about.
• Set up your paper in advance by columns headed by these points/topics/subjects.
• As you read through a source (a book, article, website, etc.), record information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc.) under the the appropriate column.

The Sentence Method is the most basic notes-taking method.

• As you research, write down any new ideas or bits of information as a sentence.
• Number each sentence as you move down the page.