When carrying out a literature search you may be wondering where to start. Often students start making notes and this automatically becomes their essay, but if you adopt a systematic approach to research then your study experience will be a whole lot easier. If your essay is constructed from notes then you may not be aware of themed paragraphs and a logical argument or thread, and you might encounter a problem with structure. I would recommend the following approach when carrying out a literature review so you are properly organised and thorough:
1. carry out database research (see library.lincoln.ac.uk)
2. read abstract before saving document
3. compile list of keywords
4. consider themes for potential paragraphs
5. read articles and take notes
6. consider and reflect upon potential arguments
7. start drafting main body of your essay under themed headings
8. delete headings if necessary.