Machi and McEvoy* describe the three stages of the "literature survey"
1. Assemble the collected data - Includes cataloging major works and reviewing the quality and strength of the information.
2. Synthesize the information - Where you will categorize the major works, organize and outline according to theme.
3. Analyze the patterns of data - Examine categories of information to formulate your argument and compose a document on the current state of knowledge of your research subject.
Only after you perform the literature survey and critique the literature you have surveyed, can you begin to write your review.
*Credit: From the Literature Review, Lawrence A. Machi and Brenda T. McEvoy
Guidelines for Writing a Literature Review by Helen Mongan-Rallis, Education Department University of Minnesota, Duluth
Literature Reviews from the Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill
Write a Literature Review from UC Santa Cruz, University Library