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2 years ago in PhD Synopsis By Payal G

How detailed should the literature review section be in a PhD synopsis?

I've spent months reading for my full proposal. For the synopsis, I'm torn between demonstrating my command of the field and keeping it short. Should I cite many papers or just the 3-4 most seminal ones?

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By Phoebe Answered 1 year ago

In a synopsis, the literature review is not a survey; it's a targeted argument to establish the gap. I advise a single, dense paragraph. Start by acknowledging the broad consensus or established foundation in the field (cite 2-3 seminal works). Then, pivot with a "however" or "nevertheless" to identify the specific unresolved problem or limitation. Cite 1-2 key papers that exemplify this limitation. Your goal is to show you understand the landscape just enough to pinpoint where your work will contribute. Avoid historical narratives or excessive citations. Think of it as setting the stage: "Here's what we know, here's what's missing, and here's how my project addresses that missing piece." Every cited source should directly serve that narrative.

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