Understanding a Literature Review
A literature review is an essential part of research, providing a comprehensive analysis of existing work related to a specific topic. Here's what it entails:
Definition
- A literature review examines and discusses existing published materials on a specific topic.
- It synthesizes and evaluates these materials in relation to a research question or central theme.
Purpose
- To provide an overview of current knowledge on a topic.
- To identify connections, disagreements, and gaps in the research.
What It Does
- Synthesizes ideas rather than simply summarizing them.
- Compares sources to highlight relationships and contrasts.
- Evaluates the relevance and credibility of existing studies.
What It Offers
- Shows readers the state of research on a topic.
- Identifies areas that require further investigation.
- Establishes the context and significance of your research.