The articles I am including have contradicting ideas, is that okay?
It is okay to have studies contradict one another. You simply acknowledge this in your literature review as supporting evidence that the topic is still open for further study.
How many studies should I include in my literature review?
The number of sources required for an effective literature review varies depending on the topic and the nature of the assignment. Always consult your syllabus to see what the course requirements are. If no requirements are given, you should include enough studies so that all the major points of view on the topic are acknowledged in your literature review.
I am having a hard time finding sources, can I include sources that do not directly tie in with my research question?
No, all items used in your literature review should directly pertain to your research question. If you are not finding quality sources that directly pertain to your topic, you might need to revise your research focus. Always speak to your professor regarding challenges in locating appropriate source material.
Do I have to read all of the articles? Some of them are long!
Yes. An important part of conducting a literature review is carefully reading through (and often annotating) each article used in the literature review. If you need help with this important process, we recommend reviewing the content in the How to Read Scholarly Materials Tutorial.