Function and Review of Literature

Function of Literature Review

• A literature review is an integral part of the research process
• A literature review provides a theoretical background to a study
• It brings clarity and focus to the research problem
• Literature review improves research methodology
• It broadens the knowledge base in the research area of interest
• Literature review contextualizes findings by integrating them with the existing body of knowledge

How to Review the Literature

• Start with a broad area of interest if the research problem is not known and narrow it down
• The review needs to be focused around the research problem
• Determine what is already known in the area
• Ascertain what is not known or the gaps in the existing body of knowledge
• Identify what questions have remained unanswered
• Determine if there are any areas of professional conflict
• Identify what theories have been put forward relevant to the area of research
• Determine what suggestions have been made for further research
• Find out what research strategies have been employed by others undertaking similar research

Four Steps for a Review

• Step 1 is searching for existing literature in the area of interest
• Step 2 is reviewing the selected literature
• Step 3 is developing a theoretical framework
• Step 4 is developing a conceptual framework

Step 1: Searching for Existing Literature

• Set parameters for the search
• Compile a reading list
• Start with books, journals, conference papers, and the Internet

Step 2: Reviewing Selected Literature

• Read existing literature and examine it critically
• Note if the knowledge relevant to a theoretical framework has been confirmed beyond doubt
• Note the theories put forward, the criticisms of these and their basis
• Include the methodologies adopted (study design procedures, etc.) and their criticisms
• Examine to what extent the findings can be generalized to other situations
• Consider sample size and its characteristics, and the used measurements
• Note where there are significant differences of opinion among researchers
• Give an opinion about their validity in addition to putting forward a position with reasons
• Ascertain the areas in which little or nothing is known, like the gaps that exist in the body of knowledge

Steps 3 & 4: Developing Frameworks

• Theoretical frameworks help to find the roots of the problem in a number of theories
• Read with focus in mind
• Sort information into main themes and theories
• The literature fits into universal/general and more specific categories
• Conceptual framework is the basis of enquiry and stems from the theoretical framework

Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

• The theoretical framework consists of the theories or issues in which the study is embedded
• The conceptual framework describes the aspects selected from the theoretical framework to become the basis of the enquiry

Writing a Literature Review

• It provides a theoretical background and contextualizes findings to the existing body of literature
• Describe various theories
• Specify gaps in the existing knowledge area
• Write about recent advances in the area of study
• State current trends
• Be thematic and based on the main theme of enquiry
• Follow a logical order
• Arguments should be referenced with supporting evidence from the existing literature
• Use academic referencing style