A comprehensive survey of the works published in a particular field of study or line of research, usually over a specific period of time, in the form of an in-depth, critical bibliographic essay or annotated list in which attention is drawn to the most significant works.
Joan M Reitz
"You join[ing] the conversation–first by listening to what is being said and then formulating a comment designed to advance the dialogue.”
–Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Roadmap From Beginning to End Bloomberg and Volpe,2008
Know who the critical people in your field are and what they are reading and citing.
