What does a literature review involve?

A literature review involves a comprehensive review of previously published research. This process entails systematically searching for, analyzing, and synthesizing existing literature related to a specific topic or research question. The goal is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in the literature, and establish a context for the new research being proposed.

In conducting a literature review, researchers gather information from various sources including journal articles, books, and other academic publications, distilling the findings to highlight trends, methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and areas that need further investigation. This foundational work is crucial in the academic arena as it situates new research within the existing body of knowledge.

By critically evaluating past studies, researchers enhance their understanding of the topic, allowing them to construct an informed basis for their own research, thereby advancing the field.