In terms of efficiency, how are literature reviews viewed?

Literature reviews are viewed as relatively inexpensive and efficient because they synthesize existing research, saving researchers time compared to conducting original studies. By evaluating the existing body of literature, researchers can quickly identify gaps in knowledge, recognize trends, and develop informed hypotheses for further study. This process allows researchers to build on previous work instead of starting from scratch, which can lead to a more efficient use of resources and time. Furthermore, literature reviews can support multiple research projects, enabling researchers to extract valuable insights that guide future investigations without the costs associated with primary data collection.