SZABIST Larkana Campus

1. 1
Chapter – 4
Review of Literature
(Desk Research(

2. 2
Contents
 Objectives of literature search
 Contribution of literature to research
 Types of literature
 Process of literature search
 Guidelines for literature study
 Issues for researchers
 Preparation of Review of Literature chapter

3. 3
Objectives of Literature Search
 Expand understanding on the area of
research.
 Look for ways others have addressed
and/or solved problems similar to the
problem in hand.
 Gather background information on the
topic to refine the research questions.
 Identify sources for and actual sample
frames that might be used in sample
design.

4. 4
Literature
Search-
why?
Literature search for
setting questions
Literature in Research
Literature search for
gathering information
on topic
Literature search to
justify the relevance
of the topic
Literature search to
understand the
dilemma
Literature search for
solution ideas
Literature search for
developing research
design

5. 5
Contribution of Literature
to Research
 Facilitates in selecting a research problem -
most simple method of formulating precisely
the research problem.
 Helps in two ways: surfaces researches
already done in the same field and makes
aware of the current research.
 Facilitates in formulating relevant
hypotheses.
 Demarcates the boundaries of the research
presently undertaken.

6. 6
Establishes the size and extent of the
research to be undertaken.
Examines the procedures and instruments
for employing in research.
Justifies the contribution of the theme to the
existing body of knowledge.
Avoids unnecessary repetition of research
already undertaken.

7. 7
Helps in building the quality of research
material.
Develops the ability of the researcher to
recognize and select the relevant materials
used for research.
Facilitates in critical understanding towards
others’ research.
Discovers inconsistencies, wrong designs
and incorrect statistical conclusions.
An indispensable component of all types
of research

8. 8
Types of
Literature
Conceptual
Literature
Empirical
Literature

9. 9
Conceptual Literature
Concerning concepts and theories
(Comprehension literature)- books and
articles by experts expressing opinions,
experiences, theories and ideas on
concepts.
Empirical Literature
Studies made earlier which are similar to the
one proposed indicates successes and
problems in respect of research design,
hypotheses, techniques and instruments.
Also look into the results/ findings of the
study.

10. 10
Process of Literature
Search
 Review of books as well as articles in
professional journals relating to the problem.
 Consult a handbook or specialized
encyclopedia to establish key terms, people,
or events.
- Helps in determining the major publications.
- Helps in identifying the foremost authors.
 Look to the library’s online catalog and one or
more bibliographic databases or indexes.
 Refer to conference proceedings,
government reports, earlier studies similar to
the study in hand.

11. 11
Start with the most recent works and work
back to earlier works. Recent works lead to
older works by referring to them and not the
opposite.
Helps in removing earlier
misunderstandings and chances of
accepting outdated theories.
Start with the works of recognized writers
dealing with the specific theme.
Start with articles, dissertations as they are
well documented and show other relevant
sources.
Guidelines for Literature Study

12. 12
Start with the reading of an abstract or
summary of a book or article to know its
relevance to the present theme (First do not
read a source in its entirely).
Helps in saving time and identifying relevant
literature without much frustration.
Go through the whole chapter or section
before starting of any notes.
Helps in linking the present theme with it
and determines the kinds of notes to be
made.

13. 13
Source and relevant page number should be
clearly entered.
Helps in avoiding confusion at a later stage.
Summarize the writers thought in your own
words.
Helps in eliminating the danger of plagiarism,
also force the researcher to understand the
information.
In case of writing quotation, rewrite it
absolutely correctly. Be careful to spell
correctly.

14. 14
Distinguish a direct quotation and a
summary made by you.
Long quotations should be Photostatted
and kept for final entry into thesis.
Helps in saving time and eliminating
unnecessary rewriting errors.
Ensure that each source should be dealt
with as accurately as possible.

15. 15
Issues for Researchers
1. How to undertake literature review?
2. How to prepare the review of literature
chapter.
3. What and how to conclude the literature
review chapter?

16. 16
Preparation of Review of
Literature Chapter
 First, develop the structure of the chapter.
 Bring the conceptual literature at the
beginning.
 Order the prior researches in a chronological
order (bring the oldest study first).
 In case of more than one study in the same
year, arrange them alphabetically.
 Studies may be grouped as per their sub-
areas and origin (domestic and foreign).

17. 17
Preparation of Review of
Literature Chapter
 In stead of just coping the abstract, review
the study always.
 Present in your own way the summary of the
study.
 Always highlight the broad issues first and
then proceed to specific issues.
 At the end of chapter, write a summary
indicating the contribution of literature in
designing the present study and the
significance of the study compared to other
studies.