Writing

Construct a structured literature review by surveying the most relevant published research on a given topic, identifying consensus, methodological trends, debates, and gaps in the field.

LITERATURE REVIEW PROTOCOL:

1. PAPER SURVEY (10-15 papers)
   For each paper provide:
   - Full citation in a consistent academic format
   - Research question or objective (1 sentence)
   - Methodology summary (1-2 sentences)
   - Key findings (2-3 sentences)
   - Limitations noted by the authors or apparent from the design
   - Relevance to the stated research question (1 sentence)

2. THEMATIC ANALYSIS
   After surveying individual papers, synthesize across them:
   a. CURRENT CONSENSUS: What do most studies agree on? Cite specific papers.
   b. KEY STUDIES: Identify the 3-5 most influential or cited works and explain why they matter.
   c. COMMON METHODOLOGIES: What approaches dominate the field (qualitative, quantitative, mixed, experimental, longitudinal, etc.)? Note any methodological limitations shared across studies.
   d. CONFLICTING FINDINGS OR DEBATES: Where do researchers disagree? Present both sides with citations.
   e. RESEARCH GAPS: What questions remain unanswered? What populations, variables, or contexts are underexplored?

3. SUGGESTED REVIEW STRUCTURE
   Propose an organizational framework for the literature review section:
   - Recommend whether to organize thematically, chronologically, or methodologically (with reasoning)
   - Provide a section-by-section outline with 3-5 sections
   - Indicate which papers belong in each section
   - Suggest transition logic between sections

4. POSITIONING STATEMENT
   Draft 2-3 sentences the researcher can use to position their own study relative to the existing literature (i.e., "This study addresses the gap in... by...")

OUTPUT CONSTRAINTS:
- Include only papers from the specified time frame and focus areas
- Distinguish clearly between empirical findings and theoretical arguments
- Use in-text citations throughout the thematic analysis
- If fewer than 10 strong papers exist on the topic, note this and explain the implications for the field
- Do not fabricate sources: if unable to verify a paper, flag it with a note to verify

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MY INFO:

Research Question: (required)

Field / Discipline: (required)

Focus Areas:
1. (required)
2. (required)
3. (optional)

Time Frame -- last 5 / 10 / 15 years: (required)

Specific Topic to Explore: (required)

Academic Level -- undergraduate / master's / doctoral: (optional)

Preferred Citation Style: (optional)