What is a primary disadvantage of literature reviews?

A primary disadvantage of literature reviews is that they are limited to collecting information from past studies. This means that the findings and conclusions drawn from a literature review are based on existing research and perspectives, which can restrict the exploration of new or evolving topics. Furthermore, this reliance on prior research may introduce biases based on the available literature or may not capture the most current developments in a field, particularly if relevant studies have been published recently or if emerging trends are not well documented.

In contrast, extensive access to current data is not a drawback but rather a benefit of literature reviews, as they synthesize existing knowledge and highlight gaps that may warrant further exploration. Conducting literature reviews can also be cost-effective compared to primary research, making them an attractive option for researchers. Additionally, while literature reviews do involve a certain level of literacy, they typically demand a higher level of comprehension and analytical skills to evaluate and integrate diverse studies, making it misleading to state that they require minimal literacy skills.