Differences between lit review in dissertation and articles I am wondering if there is a difference between the lit review of a dissertation and that of a journal article. I tend to think that a dissertation will contain more extensive background information, meaning that part of the challenge is showing that you know all if the information and can communicate it in a coherent way to support new research.

Are there differences between the literature review of a dissertation and article? What is the purpose of each (in terms of the rhetorical structure and any graduation requirements)?
The review section in an article is much shorter and much more stringent for two reasons.

First, the lit review in an article situates your own work within the existing body of literature. It explains the research puzzle from a theoretical angle, shows why your paper is needed and what exactly your contribution to the existing knowledge consist in. It may also introduce the theoretical concepts that you draw on (to the extent that this is not a separate section).

The review section in a dissertation does all this as well, but it also serves the purpose of demonstrating to your supervisors and committee that you are aware of and understand the relevant science. This includes literature that is more tangential to your actual contribution. By contrast, an article is about your contribution, not about your proficiency.

Second, you have much less space in an article to go off on any tangent. Thus you have to restrict yourself to the narrow literature to which you are directly contributing and on which your work builds.