NAME: DATE:

GRADE/STRAND/SECTION: CONCEPT NOTE NO.: 3

TOPIC: READING ON RELATED STUDIES (SELECTING RELEVANT LITERATURE)

Literature, in the context of research, refers to a collection of published information or

materials on a particular area of research or topic, such as books and journal articles of
academic value. On the other hand, a literature review is a process of studying what
has already been written on a particular topic.

The process involves identifying, locating, and analyzing documents that contain
information related to a researcher’s research topic (Avilla, 2016). Likewise, Aveyard
(2010) defined it as a "comprehensive study and interpretation of literature that
addresses a specific topic."

Prieto, et. al (2017) listed down the purposes for which the literature review is done:

GOALS OF LITERATURE REVIEW

1. To demonstrate a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establish credibility. A good
review increases a reader’s confidence in the researcher’s professional competence, ability, and
background.

2. To show the path of prior research and how a current project is linked to it. A good review
places a research project in a context and demonstrates its relevance by making connections to a
body of knowledge.

3. To integrate and summarize what is known in an area. A good review points out areas where
prior studies agree, where they disagree, and where major questions remain. It also indicates the
directions for future research.

4. To learn from others and stimulate new ideas. A good review identifies blind alleys and
suggests hypotheses for replication and gaining new insights.

The following are the five basic criteria for evaluating information from any source:

1. ACCURACY – the information is reliable.

2. AUTHORITY – the author should have the qualifications to speak or write on that
topic.
3. OBJECTIVITY – The information is not biased.
4. CURRENCY – The information should be current.
5. COVERAGE – The information provides in-depth coverage.

Additional Information
- The primary purpose for reviewing the literature is to gain a broad background or
understanding of the information available related to a problem.