How to Write a Good Survey Paper

A survey paper classify existing different approaches to the problem, using a well set of

classification criteria. The main idea behind the survey papers is to build a framework of a research

topic based on existing literature. Survey paper does not publish new research. Surveying research

papers generally mean to collect data and results from other research papers. As per the ACM

Computing Surveys Editorial Charter “A survey article assumes a general knowledge of the area; it

emphasizes the classification of the existing literature, developing a perspective on the area, and

evaluating trends”1.

A good survey paper exposes research topic that needs more research focus. A survey paper mainly

compile the information that is currently known about the topic. It provides basic knowledge to new

researchers. It also qualitatively and quantitatively validates information to researchers. Selecting a

topic for survey is a challenging task. To make a good survey topic, author should satisfy the

following requirements:

1. It is an emerging field and popularity of the field will grow (over time).

2. Papers with new algorithms/approaches does exist.

3. A survey paper does not exist on the survey topic.

Author can start with reading general topics before moving to pick-up relevant topic. It is advisable

that author should read 20 to 40 (at least) well written papers before start writing a good survey

paper. Citation count and locality principle for papers could be a good idea to select good papers.

Before writing, author must develop good understanding of the field. Author must completely be

aware of the main research themes, trends, challenges/issues, and results of that field. The author

must add his/her research experiences related to this research topic (if possible).

The author must produce the essence of the topic in a legitimate way. To differentiate between

approaches, author must present each approach using same template and same type of figures (for

easier understanding). It is recommended to have examples, classification, figures, summery or

tables to provide readers a good overview of the topic. Author should explain example and its

potentials using his/her understanding of the field. An example can be explained in detailed by

using seven Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why, for Whom, hoW). To classify available

approaches/methodologies author must decide what should be the main criteria. It is always

recommended to find the reason that why this classification criteria is a contribution to the

knowledge domain. It is desirable to present classifications with examples. Figures must be clear

and self-explanatory. e.g, figures can be used to explain examples in pictorial format or to present

an algorithm in pseudo-code format. Research methodology/strategy must be included to analyze

hybrid approaches. It is also desirable that author should discuss plausible solutions of the existing

challenges. Information flow in the paper must be well connected which will help to flourish the

essence of the paper. In other way, it will increase the visibility of the paper. Before submitting to

the journal, it must be reviewed by other peers. Lastly, a good survey paper must adhere the below

structure:

1. Introduction to the topic

2. Program statement (how to classify and how to survey)

3. Classification

4. Characteristics of classes

5. Presentation of classes

6. Pros and cons

7. Predicted/Emerging trends

8. Conclusion

9. Acknowledgement

10. References

Written By:

Somnath Mazumdar

Dept. of Information Engineering and Mathematics,

University of Siena, Italy

Reference:

1. http://csur.acm.org/charter.html

2. http://home.etf.rs/~vm/

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