What is a key feature of the literature review process?

A key feature of the literature review process is evaluating existing knowledge on a topic. This involves systematically searching for, analyzing, and synthesizing previously published studies, articles, and other academic works to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is already known about a particular subject. By critically assessing this existing body of knowledge, researchers can identify gaps in the literature, establish the relevance of their research questions, and provide context for their own findings.

Focusing solely on recent data is insufficient as literature reviews must encompass both historical and recent works to give a complete picture of the topic's evolution and current state. Conducting field experiments and gathering data through surveys are important primary research methods, but they fall outside the scope of a literature review, which aims to summarize and interpret existing research rather than generate new data. Therefore, the essence of a literature review lies in its evaluative approach to prior scholarship rather than the collection of new empirical evidence.