A literature review is a critical and systematic examination of scholarly articles, books, conference proceedings, and other sources relevant to a particular topic, research question, or area of study. It serves several purposes in academic research, including providing context, identifying gaps in existing knowledge, and supporting the development of a theoretical framework. Here are key aspects of a literature review: 1. Purpose of a Literature Review: Contextualizing the Research: Placing the research within the existing body of knowledge. Demonstrating awareness of key concepts, theories, and debates. Identifying Gaps and Research Questions: Pointing out areas where further research is needed. Formulating research questions based on gaps in the literature. Building a Theoretical Framework: Establishing a foundation for the study’s theoretical framework. Integrating relevant theories and concepts that inform the research. 2. Process of Conducting a Literature Review: Define the Scope: Clearly define the research question or topic to guide the literature review. Search for Relevant Sources: Conduct a comprehensive search using academic databases, libraries, and other scholarly resources. Selection Criteria: Establish criteria for including or excluding sources based on relevance, quality, and publication date. Organize and Synthesize: Organize selected sources thematically, chronologically, or methodologically. Synthesize information to identify patterns, trends, and conflicting findings