32 Questions
A literature review sets the scene and identifies the gaps in the current state of knowledge on a topic.
True
The purpose of a literature review is to justify the researcher's credibility.
False
A literature review provides a critical insight into current research and its methodological limitations.
True
A literature review is only necessary for quantitative research studies.
False
A literature review synthesizes current knowledge in the area under investigation and identifies key issues and debates.
True
Theories and principles that shaped the study are not discussed in a literature review.
False
A literature review identifies the strengths and weaknesses of previous research and knowledge.
True
A literature review does not provide justification for the research methods used in the study.
False
When reading literature, you should always have a theoretical framework in mind beforehand.
False
A theoretical framework is developed based on the research topic and its aspects.
True
When writing up the literature review, subheadings should be vague and non-descriptive.
False
The literature review only involves reading and summarizing articles.
False
Tables are not used in literature reviews.
False
Contextualizing the findings involves comparing them with those of others.
True
The literature review is only undertaken before data collection.
False
Reading literature involves identifying gaps that do not exist in the body of knowledge.
False
Understanding how the findings of a study fit into the existing body of knowledge is not a benefit of reviewing literature.
False
Searching for existing literature is not a part of the procedure for reviewing literature.
False
Developing a theoretical framework is not a part of the procedure for reviewing literature.
False
The internet is not a source for searching literature.
False
Library hard copies are not a source for searching literature.
False
A literature review helps to understand a background context and explain its importance.
True
Searching for an overview of a field can be done by reading an introduction to the topic.
True
A literature review is an optional step in the research process.
False
The literature review helps to conceptualize the research problem clearly and precisely.
True
Refined research is not a part of the literature review process.
False
Summarizing relevant works is not a part of the literature review process.
False
A literature review is only necessary to understand the research problem.
False
A literature review helps to improve the methodology of the research.
True
A literature review is not necessary to broaden the knowledge base in the research area.
False
The literature review is only used to build a platform from which to interpret and discuss results and explain the significance of findings.
False
A literature review is a critical and analytical process that involves only describing the works that have been read.
False
Study Notes
Purpose of a Literature Review
- Sets the scene and provides the current state of knowledge on the topic
- Identifies gaps in current knowledge and justifies the aims of the study
- Establishes the credibility of the researcher and leads to the research questions
Uses of a Literature Review
- Provides a critical and comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge in the area under investigation
- Identifies the key issues or debates in the field
- Sets the context for the study and positions the research in relation to what has been done before
- Links the research to the body of knowledge
Literature Review as Foundation
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses of previous research and knowledge
- Brings clarity and focus to the research problem
- Provides a justification for the research methods
- Builds a platform from which to interpret and discuss the results and significance of the findings
Importance of a Literature Review
- Helps to understand the background context and explains its importance
- Includes only relevant books and articles that relate directly to the topic
- Requires analytical and critical thinking, not just description of the works read
- Is an essential preliminary task to familiarize oneself with the available body of knowledge in the area of interest
- Brings clarity and focus to the research problem, improves methodology, and broadens the knowledge base
Procedure for Reviewing the Literature
- Searching for existing literature in the area of study
- Reviewing the selected literature
- Developing a theoretical framework
Searching for Literature
- Involves searching various components such as books, journals, conference proceedings, and bibliographic databases
- Requires searching for specific information in the research area or project
- The internet and library resources can be used for searching
- A good step is to read an introduction to the topic before conducting a general search
Reviewing the Literature
- Involves reading the selected literature critically to identify themes and issues
- Requires identifying gaps in the body of knowledge
- A theoretical framework can be developed from the themes and issues identified
Developing a Theoretical Framework
- Aspects of the research topic can be used as a basis for developing a theoretical framework
- The framework can guide the research and provide a structure for the study
Writing up the Literature Review
- Provides theoretical background to the study
- Requires listing main themes that have emerged from the literature
- Themes can be converted into subheadings and main findings recorded under each subheading
- Gaps and issues can be identified and contextualized with other studies
This quiz covers the purpose and importance of a literature review in research, including identifying gaps in current knowledge and justifying research aims.
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