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Review of Literature
A literature review is a summary of studies related to a particular area of
research. It identifies and summarizes all the relevant research conducted on a particular
It is literature review is a summary of studies related to a particular area of research. It
identifies and summarizes all the relevant research conducted on a particular
topic(‘Literature Reviews’, n.d.).
Definition of literature
A literature review is a summary of studies related to a particular area of
research. It identifies and summarizes all the relevant research conducted on a particular
purpose.
Meaning of review of literature
To review the literature means to be able to identify What has been established,
discredited and accepted in your field Areas of controversy or conflict among different
schools of thought Problems or issues that remains unsolved Emerging trends and new
approaches How your research extends, builds upon, and departs from previous research.
Purpose of literature
The purpose of a literature review is to provide foundation of knowledge on topic
Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication and give credit to other
researchers Identify inconstancies: gaps in research, conflicts in previous studies, open
questions left from other research Identify need for additional research (justifying your
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research) Identify the relationship of works in context of its contribution to the topic and
to other works Place your own research within the context of existing literature making a
case for why further study is needed.
Various Types of Literature Reviews
Info-graphic with 4 types of Literature Reviews
Figure 1 part of a largerone
Three Essential Categories
Simple - A simple literature review is a brief overview of the topic not necessarily purely
academic in scope and often uses popular sources (although popular sources are noted so
their weight and value can be judged) this review is often just the start of the research
process.
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Applied - Used mostly in business, government and other professional environments
applied literature reviews are more fact finding exorcizes. Used to look at marketability
and profitability they look at change and value objectivity and accuracy in similar
projects and programs.
Academic - Whether stand alone or part of a paper, study, or project the Academic
Literature Review requires accuracy, quality resources , objectivity thoroughness and
quality analysis but unlike the other two styles the Academic Review requires a depth the
others do not. Academic sources not popular should be used and a summery and
synthesis of sources usually within a conceptual framework(‘Introduction to literature
reviews’, n.d.).
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Table 1.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Literature Review
Advantages of literature Reviews Disadvantages of Literature
Literature review encourages deep
learning. And provide an efficient way
to assess students on their knowledge
and understanding of a particular topic.
Sometimes students may not have
access to certain information
Literature Review assesses different
cognitive levels.
It is time consuming for the teachers
to correct and provide feedback.
Time and cost efficient to look for
resource.
Literature reviews give a conceptual
framework for research or project
planning.
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Enhance analytical Skills through
identifying differences
Reference
Introduction to literature reviews. (n.d.). Retrieved 21 August 2019, from Research &
Learning Online website: https://www.monash.edu/rlo/graduate-research-
writing/write-the-thesis/introduction-literature-reviews
Literature Reviews. (n.d.). Retrieved 21 August 2019, from The Writing Center website:
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/literature-reviews/
