Literature review

Definition

A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing scholarly research on a particular topic, summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing the findings from various sources. This process helps to identify gaps in knowledge, establish a theoretical framework, and provide context for new research. It's crucial for academic writing as it situates the new work within the broader field of study and shows how it contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A literature review serves to highlight significant research findings and methodologies that have been previously established in the field.
2. It's essential for identifying gaps in existing research which your own study may aim to address.
3. Literature reviews are often organized thematically or chronologically to provide clarity and coherence in presenting the material.
4. Proper citation is critical in literature reviews to acknowledge original authors and avoid plagiarism.
5. Literature reviews can vary in length and depth depending on the scope of the research question being addressed.

Review Questions

• How does a literature review contribute to the development of a research question?
  • A literature review plays a vital role in shaping a research question by providing insight into what has already been studied and where gaps exist. By summarizing and analyzing existing literature, researchers can identify unanswered questions or underexplored areas within their topic. This process not only helps refine the focus of their own research but also ensures that their work is grounded in existing scholarship.
• Discuss the importance of citation practices in conducting a literature review and how it impacts academic integrity.
  • Citation practices in a literature review are crucial as they give credit to original authors whose work has contributed to the new research. Properly citing sources helps maintain academic integrity by preventing plagiarism and ensuring that the intellectual contributions of others are recognized. This practice also allows readers to trace back the original sources for further study, fostering an environment of trust and transparency within scholarly communication.
• Evaluate the role of thematic organization in a literature review and its effect on reader comprehension.
  • Thematic organization in a literature review significantly enhances reader comprehension by structuring information in a coherent manner. By grouping related studies together under specific themes, readers can more easily understand the relationships between different pieces of research and how they contribute to the overall topic. This approach not only clarifies complex information but also aids in synthesizing findings, making it easier for researchers to draw conclusions about trends and gaps in the literature.

Related terms

meta-analysis: A statistical technique that combines results from multiple studies to identify patterns or overall effects, providing a more robust conclusion about a particular topic.

primary sources: Original materials or evidence directly related to the research question, such as experiments, interviews, or firsthand accounts.

theoretical framework: A structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study, guiding the research process and helping to interpret findings.