Comments From the Editor: I Did These Four Things. My Literature Reviews Will Never Be the Same.

Abstract

Along with individual studies that eliminate or reduce research terminology and jargon, Update is perhaps best known for publishing reviews of literature. After a quick interview regarding this topic with Brian Silvey (N = 1), the person who is also typing this editorial, I discovered that he often finds literature reviews difficult to write, somewhat tedious, and often boring to read. However, in my role as Editor, I have been impressed with the literature reviews that have appeared in the journal. Regardless of whether a literature review is freestanding, such as those found in Update or traditional dissertations, or is part of a research study, there are characteristics that distinguish great literature reviews from those that are notas-great. These four suggestions are presented in no particular order, but I do hope they prove helpful, and certainly for those authors who are considering submitting a literature review to Update.