V.

CONDUCTING THE
REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
A. WHY CONDUCT A REVIEW OF LITERATURE?
B. IDENTIFYING AND LOCATING SOURCES OF
INFORMATION
 Definition of a Literature Review

• A literature review
 surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources
(e.g. dissertations, conference proceedings) relevant
to a particular issue, area of research, or theory.
 provides a short description and critical evaluation of
work critical to the topic.
 offers an overview of significant literature published
on a topic.
• A literature review is a critical and comprehensive survey and
analysis of existing scholarly literature, research, and
published works relevant to a specific topic, research question,
or area of study. It serves as a foundational component of
academic research and provides an overview of the current
state of knowledge in the chosen field.
• Literature reviews are commonly found in academic papers,
theses, dissertations, and research articles, and they play a
crucial role in demonstrating the depth of the author's
understanding of the subject matter while also helping readers
to grasp the broader context of the research.
 Literature Reviews are Conducted For
Various Reasons:

1. For a review paper

2. For the introduction (and discussion) of a research
paper, masters thesis or dissertation
3. To embark on a new area of research
4. For a research proposal
 some key reasons why literature reviews are
conducted:
• To Establish Context: A literature review provides the
necessary background and context for your research topic,
helping readers understand where your study fits into the
larger body of knowledge.
• To Identify Gaps in Existing Knowledge: By reviewing
existing literature, you can identify gaps, contradictions, or
areas where further research is needed. This can help you
formulate research questions or hypotheses.
• To Define Key Concepts and Terminology: It allows you to
define and clarify key concepts and terminology relevant to
your research, ensuring a shared understanding among
readers.
• To Evaluate Previous Research: A literature review allows
you to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of
previous studies, including their methodologies, data, and
conclusions.
• To Build a Theoretical Framework: It helps in constructing
a theoretical framework or conceptual model for your study,
drawing on existing theories and concepts.
• To Select Research Methods: A literature review can inform
your choice of research methods and data collection
techniques by highlighting approaches that have been
successful in similar studies.
• To Avoid Duplication: It ensures that your research is not
redundant by showing what has already been done and
published on your topic. This helps you focus on original
contributions.
• To Support Your Argument: In academic writing, literature
reviews serve as evidence to support your argument or thesis.
They demonstrate your expertise and credibility on the topic.
• To Stay Updated: Keeping up with the latest literature in your
field is essential to ensure that your research remains current
and relevant.
• To Synthesize Information: A literature review involves
synthesizing information from multiple sources, enabling you to
draw connections, patterns, and trends in the existing literature.
• To Improve Writing and Research Skills: Conducting a
literature review enhances your research and critical
thinking skills. It also helps you become a better writer by
learning how to summarize and synthesize information
effectively.
• To Contribute to Knowledge: By conducting a literature
review, you contribute to the scholarly discourse in your field
by summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting existing
research.
• To Obtain Funding: Many grant applications and research
proposals require a thorough literature review to justify the
need for funding and demonstrate the significance of the
research.
 Conducting a literature review
will help you:
• Determine if proposed research is actually needed.
 Even if similar research published, researchers might
suggest a need for similar studies or replication.
• Narrow down a problem.
 It can be overwhelming getting into the literature of a field
of study. A literature review can help you understand where
you need to focus your efforts.
• Generate hypotheses or questions for further studies.
 Conducting a literature review
will give you:

• Background knowledge of the field of inquiry

 Facts
 Eminent scholars
 Parameters of the field
 The most important ideas, theories, questions and
hypotheses.
• Knowledge of the methodologies common to the field
and a feeling for their usefulness and appropriateness
in various settings.
 Identifying sources of information

• Library Catalogs: Use your local library's catalog or an online

library catalog like WorldCat to find books, journals, and other
materials available in libraries worldwide.
• Online Databases: Academic databases such as PubMed, JSTOR,
IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar provide access to a wide range of
scholarly articles, papers, and research materials.
• Internet Search Engines: Utilize search engines like Google,
Bing, or DuckDuckGo to find web-based information. Be sure to
use specific keywords and advanced search operators for more
precise results.
• Government Websites: Government agencies often publish reports,
statistics, and data on various topics. Look for official government
websites at the local, state, or national levels.
• Academic Institutions: University websites frequently provide
access to research publications, faculty profiles, and academic
resources. Explore the websites of universities and research
institutions.
• Research Organizations: Organizations like the World Health
Organization (WHO), Pew Research Center, and RAND Corporation
publish research reports and data on specific subjects.
• Libraries and Archives: Visit local or specialized libraries and
archives to access rare books, manuscripts, historical documents,
and primary sources.
• News Outlets: Newspapers, magazines, and online news sources can
provide current information and perspectives on various topics.
• Books: Look for books on your topic by searching library catalogs,
online retailers like Amazon, or specialized bookstores.
• Encyclopedias and Reference Works: Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and
reference books can provide concise overviews and definitions related to
your subject.
• Interviews and Surveys: Conduct interviews with experts in your field
or create surveys to gather primary data.
• Social Media and Forums: Online forums, discussion boards, and
social media platforms can be sources of information and insights from
individuals with relevant experience or expertise.
• Bibliographies: Examine the reference lists or bibliographies of books,
articles, and research papers to find additional sources related to your
topic.
• Citations in Scholarly Articles: When you find a relevant scholarly
article, review its citations to locate earlier research that contributed to
the topic.
• Professional Associations: Many fields have professional organizations
that publish journals, magazines, and reports. Explore these resources for
industry-specific information.
• Theses and Dissertations: University libraries often house theses and
dissertations, which can provide in-depth research on specific subjects.
• Patent Databases: If your research involves inventions or innovations,
patent databases like the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) can be valuable.
• Conference Proceedings: Some conferences publish proceedings
containing research papers and presentations. Check conference websites
or academic databases for these materials.
• Archival Collections: For historical research, visit archives and collections
that house historical documents, letters, photographs, and more.
• Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan
Academy offer courses that include video lectures, readings, and
assignments on various topics.
 Locating sources of information

• Define Your Research Topic: Clearly articulate what you're looking for
and what specific information you need. The more precise your topic or
research question, the easier it will be to find relevant sources.
• Use Keyword Search: Start with a keyword search on online search
engines like Google, Bing, or specialized academic databases. Enter
relevant keywords or phrases related to your topic. Use quotation
marks for exact phrases and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to
refine your search.
• Explore Online Databases: For academic or scholarly research, use
online databases like PubMed, JSTOR, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, or Google
Scholar. These databases provide access to academic journals, articles,
conference papers, and more. Use advanced search features to narrow
down results.
• Visit Your Library: Your local library, as well as university or college
libraries, can be valuable resources. Use their catalogs or databases
to search for books, journals, and other materials. Librarians can
offer assistance in locating physical or digital resources.
• Check Government and Institutional Websites: Government
agencies, research institutions, and universities often publish
research reports, statistics, and valuable data on various subjects.
Explore their websites and dedicated research sections.
• Use Reference Materials: Consult encyclopedias, dictionaries, and
reference books to gain an overview of your topic and identify
keywords and key concepts. These materials can be found in libraries
or online.
• Access Academic Journals: Look for academic journals in your field.
Many universities provide access to online journal subscriptions for
their students and faculty. You can also use platforms like
ResearchGate or Academia.edu to access research papers and
• Utilize Interlibrary Loan Services: If your local library doesn't have
the materials you need, use interlibrary loan services to borrow
books or articles from other libraries.
• Explore Open Access Repositories: Open access repositories like
arXiv, SSRN, or institutional repositories often provide free access to
research papers and preprints in various disciplines.
• Attend Conferences: If your research topic is cutting-edge, consider
attending conferences or accessing conference proceedings to find
the latest research in your field.
• Join Online Forums and Groups: Online communities, forums, and
social media groups related to your research area can be sources of
information and a way to connect with experts.
• Check Industry Publications: Industry-specific magazines, trade
journals, and association websites often contain valuable
information and insights relevant to specific fields or sectors.
• Explore Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX,
and Khan Academy offer courses on a wide range of topics, often
including video lectures, readings, and assignments.
• Use Citation Chaining: When you find a relevant source, check its
references and citations for additional sources. This can lead you to
related and valuable materials.
• Consider Primary Sources: If applicable, seek out primary sources
such as historical documents, interviews, surveys, or original data
sources.
• Ask for Recommendations: Consult with professors, mentors, or
experts in your field for source recommendations. They may point
you to key texts or influential works.
• Keep Updated: Regularly revisit your sources and search for updated
information, especially if your research is ongoing.
 The “Literature” in the Review

• The literature included can be any format

appropriate to your topic.
• Don’t restrict yourself to journal articles.
 Look in books – you’ll need to know and cite the work of major
contributors to the field. A lot of this in books, especially annual
reviews
 Important Information can be found in reports, conference
proceedings, and other non-journal sources.
 Search government websites and associations related to your topic.
 Look at library subject guides in your area to find the key
databases additional resources
 Literature Search
• Perform a preliminary search of the literature.
 Search lit to see what other work in the area of interest has
already been published.
− Gives a preview of the number of articles available on the topic.
− If your topic is already written about, select a slightly different topic or
modify the focus of the objective.

 Recent journal issues in areas central to the topic may provide

leads to content that should be in the review.
− Consult Web of Science’s Journal Citation Index for an idea of the most
important journals in the field

 Develop a list of subject headings that relate to themes of

interest
 Literature Search

 Search across multiple databases and information

resources.
− It’s not adequate to use Medline as your one and only resource
 Read the literature throughout the search process.
− What you read will guide your subsequent searches and refine your
topic.

 Your search should help refine the topic and objective of the
overview being written.
 Think ahead
• The more one learns about a subject, the more
questions come to mind.
• Keep a list of questions and hypotheses that
come to your mind or that are mentioned in what
you read.
 These questions will help guide you when you are
constructing your review

 The questions will also guide you in discussing the

implications of your own findings and the additional
research directions your work supports or suggests.
 Questions To Consider In Your Review
• What do we already know in the immediate area concerned?
• What are the characteristics of the key concepts or the main factors or
variables?
• What are the relationships between these key concepts, factors or
variables?
• What are the existing theories?
• Where are the inconsistencies or other shortcomings in our knowledge and
understanding?
• What views need to be (further) tested?
• What evidence is lacking, inconclusive, contradictory or too limited?
• Why study (further) the research problem?
• What contribution can the present study be expected to make?
• What research designs or methods seem unsatisfactory?
 Construct the Literature Review

• In the introduction, explain why the topic is important and give the reader an
idea of where you are going in your paper.
• Group research studies and other types of literature according to common
denominators.
 If you’ve taken notes before, the common themes are more easily
identifiable.
 Some factors used to organize reviews are:
− Conclusions of authors
− Specific purpose
− Objective
− Chronology (this method will give the worst impression, use only if it
really makes sense to your topic!)
 Construct The Literature Review

• Summarize individual studies or articles

 Use as much or as little detail as each merits according to its
comparative importance in the literature
 Space (length) denotes significance.
 Don’t need to provide a lot of detail about the procedures used in other
studies.
 Most literature reviews only describe the main findings, relevant
methodological issues, and/or major conclusions of other research.
• Discuss major areas of agreement or disagreement
• Tie the study into the current body of lit, make logical
interpretations from the lit reviewed.
 If there is no discussion of the relevance of the overview to other work
in the field, or if there is no interpretation of the literature, it may signal
the author has not thoroughly investigated the topic.
 References

• Asian Institute of Technology. Writing up research: Using the literature. Retrieved 1/22/2009, 2009, from
http://www.languages.ait.ac.th/EL21LIT.HTM
• Green, B. N., Johnson, C. D., & Adams, A. (2006). Writing narrative literature reviews for peer-reviewed
journals: Secrets of the trade. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 5(3), 101-117.
• Lyons, K. (2005). UCSC library - how to write a literature review. Retrieved 1/22/2009, 2009, from
http://library.ucsc.edu/ref/howto/literaturereview.html
• Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars Before Researchers: On the Centrality of the Dissertation Literature
Review in Research Preparation. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15.
• Cooper, H. M. (1998). Synthesizing Research: A Guide for Literature Reviews (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
• Fink, A. (2013). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper (4th ed.). Sage
Publications.
• Galvan, J. L. (2020). Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
(8th ed.). Routledge.
• Hart, C. (1998). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. Sage
Publications.
• Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2016). The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success (3rd ed.). Corwin.
• Ridley, D. (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.