Literature Review
A literature review is a comprehensive examination of existing knowledge on a specific research problem or subject. It serves as a vital research tool throughout the entire research process, from the inception of an idea to the presentation of findings. Here’s a detailed explanation of the key points you mentioned:
Author
Izaz Ul Islam
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1. Assessment of Current Knowledge:
– A literature review involves evaluating existing literature related to the research problem. This assessment helps researchers understand what is already known about the problem they are investigating.
2. Integration into Research Study:
– While it can be presented as a standalone paper, it is commonly integrated into a research study as Chapter 2. This chapter provides the background and context for the research, setting the stage for the study.
3. Research Tool:
– The literature review is not just a section of a paper; it is a valuable research tool. It aids in answering critical questions about the research problem, such as understanding the context, identifying gaps, and recognizing the significance of the issue.
4. Key Questions Answered:
– The review helps answer questions about the problem, its origins, affected parties, relevant statistics, existing theories, past research attempts, methods employed, results obtained, and lessons learned. This comprehensive understanding guides the researcher throughout the study.
5. Learning from Past Attempts:
– By examining past research efforts, researchers can identify what has been done before, what worked, and what didn’t. This informs the current study, enabling researchers to build upon successes and avoid pitfalls encountered by others.
6. Continuous Relevance:
– The significance of the literature review extends from the initial stages of picking up a research assignment through each subsequent element of the research process. It remains relevant as a guide for framing research questions, choosing methods, and interpreting results.
7. Objectives of Literature Review:
– The overarching objectives of a literature review include familiarizing oneself with the problem’s context, framing research methods based on existing knowledge, and critically evaluating efforts against current understanding and identified gaps.
8. Framing Methods:
– The literature review informs the selection of research methods by highlighting what has been successful or unsuccessful in the past. This knowledge helps researchers design effective methodologies tailored to the specific characteristics of their research problem.
In summary, the literature review is an integral and continuous part of the research process, serving as a compass that guides researchers in understanding, framing, and executing their studies. Its value persists from the initial stages of defining the research problem to the final presentation of research findings.
Also read: Difference Between Research Paper & Review Paper
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