identifying appropriate research methods
and techniques, and helps in formulating a
discussion about the implications of the research.
THE PURPOSE OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW
Mind map 2.1: The purpose of the literature review
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FUNCTIONS OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW
Mind map 2.2: Functions of the literature review
Provide a context for the study
The literature review provides a concise synthesis of existing
research on the current
research topic. This creates the context from the past for the new study to be conducted
with the new subject and newly obtained data.
Create a conceptual frame of reference
The researcher must carefully assess the key components in this body of
literature and
identify areas that are still conceptually and methodologically under-developed and point
out ‘gaps’ in the field. Using the basic writings and theoretical constructs of the problem,
the researcher must fully familiarise themselves with all the ramifications of all points of
view in the current literature.
Report the status of current research
The point here is to provide a brief
overview of past research, distinguish areas of
consensus among researchers in the field of hypothetical and
theoretical issues, taking
note of the territories of significant discussion and debate. It is necessary to distinguish the
main analysts and scholars in the field and details of the schools of thought arising from
their work, which refer to real ways to deal with research in the field. The literature review
will pinpoint what has been done and how the current research
could address explicit
issues or gaps the field.
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