Methods of Research

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Related Literature and Studies

RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This module entitled, Review of Related Literature and Studies will
provide ideas to students with essential topics for Chapter 2. It will also
explain why theory and proper choice of such theory to include in Chapter 2 is
important in writing Chapter 2 of a research report and provide ways of
searching related studies for researcher’s study.
At the end of the week, college students should be able:
1. Explain the essential topics for Chapter 2;
2. Identify and understand the functions of a theory;
3. Discuss the principles and procedures on how to write related
literature and studies

ESSENTIAL TOPICS FOR CHAPTER 2

The second part of the main body of a research report is the Review of
Related Literature and Studies. This chapter contains two major parts – the
conceptual literature and related studies.
1. Conceptual Literature
It contains literature from different sources such as books, journals
and others, both from local and foreign sources which are significant to
the study. They are more comprehensive than research literature but
data-free or non-empirical material . It is also more readily available
than the research literature.

2. Related Studies
These are empirically based studies – scientific paper, theses,
dissertations (both published and unpublished). Most recent ones should
be included here, should not be more than 10 years (backward counting)
unless it is a historical literature type.

Proper acknowledgement should be given to the writer in doing a

review of related studies and gist of objectives, findings and conclusions
should be gotten and rephrased by the researcher.

CATEGORIES OF LITERATURE REVIEW:

a. Sources of research - readings/excerpts from various research
journals, theses and dissertations.
b. Theoretical literature from different books, articles from
magazines and journals and speeches.

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 c. Related literature ( general and special ) on different educational
endeavor – education, business, medical researches, quality health
and health sciences, psychology and others.
d. Literature on methodology
e. Research literature from other disciplines - anthropology,
sociology, economics and others.
f. Literature which are popularly written by experts

GUIDELINES IN CITING RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MATERIALS CITED
1. The materials should be as recent as possible.
2. As much as possible, materials must be objective and no bias.
3. Materials should have relevance to the study.
4. Materials must be sufficient enough to provide researcher an
insight to his problem.

In writing this Chapter, acknowledge the authors and writers’

contributions by including them in your bibliography.

FUNCTIONS OF A THEORY
1. It provides the research study with theoretical and conceptual
framework
2. It gives the researcher background and insight on the past findings or
present status of the research topic.
3. To attain the purposes of the study, it gives information on what
goals/objectives and methodologies to be used.
4. It gives concrete information on what studies in the future can be made to
add to present knowledge and current status of the topic.
HOW TO CONDUCT THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
A. Visit libraries. You may start with your school library.
B. Browse the net and search through
 Google scholar
 Website of journals
C. Ask for reprints from experts
D. Take down notes and begin organizing them by devising sections and
headings:
1. General Information
2. Methodologies in other studies
3. Results to be compared to my present study
4. Pros and cons of issues
5. Write the bibliography
6. Paraphrase
HOW TO WRITE THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
1. To indicate main points, use headings which are logically arranged.
2. Write introduction to your main topic. Avoid doing it too long.
3. Include data and information that are related and significant to your
topic.
 Methods of Research
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Related Literature and Studies

4. Each paragraph should have a maximum of half page, double spaced.

5. Don’t copy as ease the information from the source. Only 10% or less
of the entire paper is allowed for direct quotation.
6. Cite the authors at the end of the sentence as a way of giving credits to
them.
7. Paraphrase using your own words.
8. Summarize and relate important points to your topic.
9. With selected figures or statistics, reinforce your data.

References
Adanza, Estela G., et al., (2009), Methods of Research: A Primer, Manila: Rex
Bookstore
De Ocampo-Acero, Victorina, Leuterio, Florida C., (2006), Methods of
Research, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Manila

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