the literature review quizlet

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What is the Purpose of a Literature Review?

4-minute read

• 23rd October 2023

If you’re writing a research paper or dissertation , then you’ll most likely need to include a comprehensive literature review . In this post, we’ll review the purpose of literature reviews, why they are so significant, and the specific elements to include in one. Literature reviews can:

1. Provide a foundation for current research.

2. Define key concepts and theories.

3. Demonstrate critical evaluation.

4. Show how research and methodologies have evolved.

5. Identify gaps in existing research.

6. Support your argument.

Keep reading to enter the exciting world of literature reviews!

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a critical summary and evaluation of the existing research (e.g., academic journal articles and books) on a specific topic. It is typically included as a separate section or chapter of a research paper or dissertation, serving as a contextual framework for a study. Literature reviews can vary in length depending on the subject and nature of the study, with most being about equal length to other sections or chapters included in the paper. Essentially, the literature review highlights previous studies in the context of your research and summarizes your insights in a structured, organized format. Next, let’s look at the overall purpose of a literature review.

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Literature reviews are considered an integral part of research across most academic subjects and fields. The primary purpose of a literature review in your study is to:

Provide a Foundation for Current Research

Since the literature review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the existing research, it serves as a solid foundation for your current study. It’s a way to contextualize your work and show how your research fits into the broader landscape of your specific area of study.  

Define Key Concepts and Theories

The literature review highlights the central theories and concepts that have arisen from previous research on your chosen topic. It gives your readers a more thorough understanding of the background of your study and why your research is particularly significant .

Demonstrate Critical Evaluation 

A comprehensive literature review shows your ability to critically analyze and evaluate a broad range of source material. And since you’re considering and acknowledging the contribution of key scholars alongside your own, it establishes your own credibility and knowledge.

Show How Research and Methodologies Have Evolved

Another purpose of literature reviews is to provide a historical perspective and demonstrate how research and methodologies have changed over time, especially as data collection methods and technology have advanced. And studying past methodologies allows you, as the researcher, to understand what did and did not work and apply that knowledge to your own research.  

Identify Gaps in Existing Research

Besides discussing current research and methodologies, the literature review should also address areas that are lacking in the existing literature. This helps further demonstrate the relevance of your own research by explaining why your study is necessary to fill the gaps.

Support Your Argument

A good literature review should provide evidence that supports your research questions and hypothesis. For example, your study may show that your research supports existing theories or builds on them in some way. Referencing previous related studies shows your work is grounded in established research and will ultimately be a contribution to the field.  

Literature Review Editing Services 

Ensure your literature review is polished and ready for submission by having it professionally proofread and edited by our expert team. Our literature review editing services will help your research stand out and make an impact. Not convinced yet? Send in your free sample today and see for yourself! 

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Research Methods in Early Childhood: An Introductory Guide

Student resources, multiple choice quiz.

Test your understanding of each chapter by taking the quiz below. Click anywhere on the question to reveal the answer. Good luck!

1. A literature review is best described as:

• A list of relevant articles and other published material you have read about your topic, describing the content of each source
• An internet search for articles describing research relevant to your topic criticising the methodology and reliability of the findings
• An evaluative overview of what is known about a topic, based on published research and theoretical accounts, which serves as a basis for future research or policy decisions
• An essay looking at the theoretical background to your research study

2. Choose the best answer. A literature review is

• Conducted after you have decided upon your research question
• Helps in the formulation of your research aim and research question
• Is the last thing to be written in your research report
• Is not part of a research proposal

3. Choose the best answer. Which is the most reliable source of information for your literature review?

• A TV documentary
• A newspaper article
• A peer reviewed research article
• A relevant chapter from a textbook

4. Choose the best answer. Critical analysis means

• Subjecting the literature to a process of interrogation in order to assess the relevance, authenticity and reliability of the literature together with the summarising of common thematic areas of discussion
• An evaluation of past research being critical of the methodology used and describing how your methodology will be an improvement
• An analysis of theoretical approaches showing how they are no longer valid according to our current state of knowledge
• Looking at the way articles are structured, pointing out logical inconsistencies

5. Which is not a reason for accurate referencing in your literature review?

• Accurate referencing is needed so that tutors can follow up your sources and check that you have reported them accurately
• Accurate referencing is needed so that researchers who read your work are alerted to source that might be helpful for them
• Referencing shows that you go to the library when not in lectures
• Accurate referencing is required because it is an academic convention

Indiana University Indianapolis Indiana University Indianapolis IU Indianapolis

• Herron School of Art
• Ruth Lilly Law
• Ruth Lilly Medical
• School of Dentistry

Literature Review - A Self-Guided Tutorial

• Literature Reviews: A Recap
• Reading Journal Articles
• Does it describe a Literature Review?
• 1. Identify the question
• 2. Review discipline styles
• Searching article databases - video
• Finding the article full-text
• Citation chaining
• When to stop searching
• 4. Manage your references
• 5. Critically analyze and evaluate
• 6. Synthesize
• 7. Write literature review

Quiz: What Have You Learned?

If quiz does not load, click here http://library.indianapolis.iu.edu/files/html5/LitReviewFinalQuizSWF.html .

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• Last Updated: Jun 20, 2024 1:47 PM
• URL: https://iu.libguides.com/literaturereview