Review of literature is said to be the backbone of any research study. It is a critical analysis of the work already done and what is thought to be done on the former basis. The synthesizing summary of the two along with the sources explored and a fair idea about the research methodologies used forms a good literature review. Lack of a well-defined and designed literature review in starting of your research work will laya weak foundation of your study, with a muddled view about the same. Consequently, it is considered as the integral part of research which when reorganized and reshuffled properly, gives a clear picture of the scholar’s maturity knowledge bank. Relatively, below mentioned are some bullets that will hit on the role of literature review in research writing –
A reflective column –Literature review gives a fair idea about the scholar’s mind set for performing research, his clarity about the study which is already been done and also what’s new that can be done, objective of the study, stepping stone towards the research problem, what are the pros, cons, and gaps too? Mingling all it creates a sound image of the scholars in the mind of readers.
Rationalize your research –A conceptual and rational literature review will not only relate the previous researches to that of your present ones but also gives a better understanding of the current research. It explains the gap between the two and that bridging invention that elaborates the study undertaken. It sharpens the knowledge about the research and shows the bigger picture.
Avoid duplication –A thorough literature review has a prime concern to avoid duplication of any sort. A fresh study with new findings on the basis of research methodologies and conclusion an entirely unique research study has to be designed.
Different forms of literature review- Argumentative, integrative, historical, methodological, systematic and theoretical reviews are some that elaborate and defines the study in all the aspects. The argumentative review helps in framing a systematic review of the study after a contrary discussion. The integrative review goes in depth by having a discussion on critics, review of the previous study and thus presents an entirely renewed study. Historical reviews as the name suggests relies on the historical background a bit more and undertakes a series of study through a definite time span. Methodological reviews rely more on “how” factor rather than who and what. Systematic reviews relate the study in past and that in present and focus on the relationship between the two. The theoretical reviews undertake the theoretical concept, ideas, and thoughts of the researchers.
Thus, the role of literature review in any research writing has diversified implication on the same.
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