Literature Review Matrix Builder

Build a structured literature review matrix (synthesis table) from a set of papers.

Input: a list of sources - for each: citation, research question(s), method, key findings, strengths, weaknesses, relevance to the user's topic.

Paper count and synthesis themes/angles.

Steps:1.

Build the matrix table: columns = source, year, methods, sample/context, main findings, key limitations, relevance/nuance.

Rows sorted by relevance or theme per the user's chosen angle.2.

Theme synthesis: group sources into 3-6 thematic clusters across the columns above; for each cluster write a 2-3 sentence synthesis paragraph that compares/contrasts the sources (who agrees, who contradicts, and why the contradiction may exist).3.

Gap analysis: identify what the literature does NOT cover relative to the user's research question - 3 concrete gaps with one source-mapped evidence line each.4.

Citation-ready

note: convert the 3 strongest table rows into an APA/MLA footnote-worthy sentence each.

Output: the matrix (Markdown table), synthesis paragraphs, gap list, and 3 sentences usable directly in the review introduction.