Reviewing Related Literature or LITERATURE FINDING SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR

REVIEW LITERATURE REVEW

- Written summary of published research
Sources Example
studies and relevant works about a particular
Newspapers, popular social
subject matter that is related to the
science magazines, professional
researcher’s main topic
publications, Internet news
Periodicals
summarizes, opinion magazines,
Importance of Conducting a Related Literature editorials, and mass market
publication
1. A literature review helps the researcher to Peer- reviewed
Scholarly
understand the different studies done on his or Article or book (Journal article)
Journals
her chosen topic. The researcher can look into the E-Journals or Internet
recommendations made by other authors. Can Books that contain original
replicate a previous study to test the validity of Books research results or a compilation
its results to confirm or add to the conclusion of research articles
made or contradict it. Clear idea on what aspect Written by graduate students
Dissertation
Some are published and
of his or her chosen topic to focus on. and Thesis
unpublished
a. What other researchers have already studied
Document published by the
about the topic Government national government, local
b. The research methodology and theory used Documents government units, records or
in previous studies laws
c. The gaps in the existing studies about the Published by government and
topic Policy reports
private research institutes and
and conference
policy agents
papers
2. A literature review delimits the researcher’s Policies
topic. It can provide him or her with additional
information as to how he or she will discuss the
STEPS IN CONDUCTING A LITERATURE
topic.
REVIEW
3. A literature review provide the researcher with 1. Define and delimit the topic
sources of information that he or she can use to
2. Design your literature search
learn more about his or her chosen topic.
3. Locate research reports
4. A literature review can stimulate the creativity 4. Take down notes
and curiosity of the researcher because it can
provide new insights and idea about his or her 5. Organize your notes
chosen topic. 6. Write the Literature Review

5. A researcher can learn about the writing skills of

other researchers through a literature review. He
or she can learn the different elements if a good
research study. He or she can also learn from the
methodology and experiences of the researchers.

Characteristics of a Good Literature Review

1. A literature review must explain the body of

knowledge in area including the major issues
about the topic.
2. A good literature review can increase the
reader’s confidence with regard to the
competence, ability, and academic
preparation of the researcher.
3. A good literature review must be able to
sketch the direction of the research.
4. A good literature review must be able to
produce a good integration ad synthesis of the
different research findings.
5. A good literature review identifies unstudied
areas and proposes hypotheses that other
researchers can study as well.