RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature

The collected body of previous scholarly works related to a topic.

The major works that has been published about your narrow topic.

Review

Snapshot of the work

LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is a text of a scholarly paper, which includes the current knowledge including
substantive findings, as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic.
Literature reviews use secondary sources, and do not report new or original experimental work.

The publication, The A-Z of Social Research (Robinson & Reed, 1998: 58), defines a literature review as
“a systematic search of published work to find out what is already known about the intended research
topic.”

The latest definition of a literature review can be found in the sixth edition of the Publication Manual of
the American Psychological Association (APA), which is the current edition as of my knowledge cutoff
date of September 2021. According to APA (2020), a literature review is "a comprehensive summary of
previous research on a topic" (p. 34).

This definition emphasizes that a literature review is a summary of existing research and includes a wide
range of sources such as books, journal articles, and other relevant materials. The goal of a literature
review is to provide a clear understanding of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic,
identify gaps in the literature, and highlight areas where further research is needed.

A literature review is based on the assumption that knowledge accumulates and that we learn from and
build on what others have done. Scientific research is a collective effort of many researchers who share
their results with one another and who pursue knowledge as a community. Today’s studies build on
those of yesterday. Researchers read studies to compare, replicate, or criticize them for weaknesses.

Every research has three parts, which include:

1. Research question to be answered (Introduction):

a) If it is clear, you have succeeded, and your proposal/dissertation/thesis will be accepted.
b) If it is not clear, you have failed, and your proposal/dissertation/thesis will be rejected.

2. Method of answering the research question (Method):

a) If it is clear, your proposal/dissertation/thesis will be accepted.
b) If it is not clear, you will need major corrections. However, your proposal/dissertation/thesis
will not be rejected.

3. Answer to the research question (Analysis):

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a) If it is clear, your dissertation/thesis/report will be accepted.

b) If it is not clear, you will need minor corrections. However, your dissertation/thesis/report will
not be rejected.

Therefore, to make the research question clear (Introduction), the method of answering the research
question (Method), and the answer to the research question (Analysis), a researcher needs a detailed
literature review.

Purposes of Literatire Review

Purpose of Literature
Review

To Develop Conceptual To Develop Theoritical

To Find Knowledge Gap
Farmework Framework

Creating Knowledge Gap Filling Knowledge Gap

Cone Circle Systematic

Here are some examples of the purposes of a literature review in academic research:

1. To Find Knowledge Gap: One of the primary purposes of a literature review is to identify
existing research in a particular field and to find any gaps in that research. This can help
researchers to identify areas where further investigation is needed. Examples of literature
review methods that can be used to find knowledge gaps include:

 Creating Knowledge Gap: In some cases, a researcher may intentionally create a knowledge gap
in order to explore a particular area of research. For example, a researcher may choose to focus
on a topic that has not been extensively studied in the past, or may approach an existing topic
from a new angle.

 Filling Knowledge Gap: Once a knowledge gap has been identified, a literature review can also
be used to help fill that gap by identifying relevant studies that have been conducted and

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synthesizing their findings. Examples of literature review methods that can be used to fill
knowledge gaps include:

 Cone: In a cone-shaped literature review, the researcher starts with a broad search and
narrows it down over time to focus on the most relevant studies.
 Circle: In a circular literature review, the researcher goes back and forth between reading
studies and refining their research question until they have a clear understanding of the
current state of research in their field.
 Systematic: In a systematic literature review, the researcher follows a pre-defined set of
criteria for selecting studies and synthesizing their findings in order to reduce bias and
increase rigor.

2. To Develop Conceptual Framework: Another purpose of a literature review is to develop a

conceptual framework for a research study. A conceptual framework is a way of organizing ideas
and concepts in order to guide the research process. Examples of literature review methods that
can be used to develop a conceptual framework include:

 Thematic Analysis: In thematic analysis, the researcher identifies key themes and concepts that
emerge from the literature and uses these to develop a conceptual framework.

 Concept Mapping: In concept mapping, the researcher visually represents the key concepts and
relationships between them in order to develop a conceptual framework.

3. To Develop Theoretical Framework: Finally, a literature review can also be used to develop a
theoretical framework for a research study. A theoretical framework is a way of explaining the
relationships between concepts and guiding the development of hypotheses. Examples of
literature review methods that can be used to develop a theoretical framework include:

 Grounded Theory: In grounded theory, the researcher uses the literature to develop a set of
concepts and relationships that can be used to guide the development of a theory.

 Conceptual Synthesis: In conceptual synthesis, the researcher synthesizes the literature in order
to identify the key concepts and relationships that can be used to develop a theoretical
framework.

What do old friend do? What are you being doing all these years?

“Fill me in” “Bring me up to date” …….First he tell you about the past and then come to the present.

You doing the same thing by literature review.

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The Importance of Conducting a Literature Review in Research

1. Know what to do (before starting research):

 To identify inconsistencies, gaps and contradictions in the literature.
 To identify variables that must be considered in the research.
 To study the definitions used in previous works as well as the characteristics of the populations
investigated, with the aim of adopting them for the new research.
 To ensure that researchers do not duplicate work that has already been done.

2. Know where to start (starting):

 To provide an excellent starting point for researchers beginning to do research in a new area by
forcing them to summarize, evaluate, and compare original research in that specific area.
 To sharpen and deepen the theoretical framework of the research.
 To carry on from where others have already reached, or position your project relative to
previous work
 To identify information, methods and ideas that may be relevant to your project (i.e. avoid
reinventing the wheel)
 To study the advantages and disadvantages of the research methods used by others, in order to
adopt or improve on them in one's own research.
 To highlights key findings

3. Know what you have done (finishing):

 To increase your breadth of knowledge of your area
 To put your work into perspective

4. Other:
 To identify opposing views
 To identify other people working in the same fields
 To famaliarise the researcher with the latest developments in the area of research.
 To give readers easy access to research on a particular topic by selecting high quality articles or
studies that are relevant, meaningful, important and valid and summarizing them into one
complete report.
Literature review has to answer the following questions

1. What has been done before on this topic?

2. What have others said?
3. What is the relevance?
4. What is the difference?
5. Agreements/ disagreements
6. Are there flaws?
Keep in mind, which GAP in the literature your research will fill?

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Types of Literature Reviews

1. Argumentative Review
This form examines literature selectively in order to support or refute an argument, deeply
imbedded assumption, or philosophical problem already established in the literature. The purpose is
to develop a body of literature that establishes a contrarian viewpoint. (e.g nature nurture debate)
Given the value-laden nature of some social science research [e.g., educational reform; immigration
control], argumentative approaches to analyzing the literature can be a legitimate and important
form of discourse. However, note that they can also introduce problems of bias when they are used
to make summary claims of the sort found in systematic reviews [see below].

Example: A researcher is conducting a literature review on the nature versus nurture debate in the
field of psychology. They identify a deeply embedded assumption that nature plays a more
significant role in shaping behavior and personality than nurture. The researcher decides to conduct
an argumentative review to challenge this assumption and develop a body of literature that
supports the contrarian viewpoint that nurture is equally or more important than nature.
They selectively examine literature that supports this viewpoint and refute literature that supports
the assumption that nature is more important. The purpose of this review is to establish a new
perspective on the nature versus nurture debate and contribute to the ongoing discourse in the field
of psychology.
Through their argumentative review, the researcher highlights the importance of considering both
nature and nurture in shaping behavior and personality, and the potential biases and limitations of
assuming that nature is more important.

2. Integrative Review
Considered a form of research that reviews, critiques, and synthesizes representative literature on a
topic in an integrated way such that new frameworks and perspectives on the topic are generated.
The body of literature includes all studies that address related or identical hypotheses or research
problems. A well-done integrative review meets the same standards as primary research in regard
to clarity, rigor, and replication. This is the most common form of review in the social sciences.

Example: An integrative review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based

interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety in adults. The review analyzed and synthesized data
from various studies that addressed the research question. The studies included randomized
controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies that evaluated the impact of
mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety symptoms. The review identified common themes and
patterns across the studies and generated new frameworks and perspectives on the topic. The
findings of the integrative review supported the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in
reducing symptoms of anxiety in adults. The review met the same standards as primary research in
terms of clarity, rigor, and replication, and contributed to the existing knowledge on the topic.

3. Historical Review
Few things rest in isolation from historical precedent. Historical literature reviews focus on
examining research throughout a period of time, often starting with the first time an issue, concept,

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theory, phenomena emerged in the literature, then tracing its evolution within the scholarship of a
discipline. The purpose is to place research in a historical context to show familiarity with state-of-
the-art developments and to identify the likely directions for future research.

Example: A historical review was conducted to examine the evolution of leadership theories over
the past century. The review started with the first time leadership was mentioned in the literature
and traced its development within the field of organizational behavior. The review examined the
historical context in which different leadership theories emerged, such as trait theory, contingency
theory, transformational leadership, and servant leadership. The purpose was to provide a
comprehensive overview of the evolution of leadership theories and to identify the likely directions
for future research. The review showed how leadership theories have evolved over time in response
to changing social, economic, and technological conditions. It also demonstrated how the concept of
leadership has become more inclusive and diverse, recognizing the importance of cultural, gender,
and other factors. The historical review provided a valuable context for understanding the current
state of leadership research and suggested potential areas for future investigation.

4. Methodological Review
A review does not always focus on what someone said [findings], but how they came about saying
what they say [method of analysis]. Reviewing methods of analysis provides a framework of
understanding at different levels [i.e. those of theory, substantive fields, research approaches, and
data collection and analysis techniques], how researchers draw upon a wide variety of knowledge
ranging from the conceptual level to practical documents for use in fieldwork in the areas of
ontological and epistemological consideration, quantitative and qualitative integration, sampling,
interviewing, data collection, and data analysis. This approach helps highlight ethical issues which
you should be aware of and consider as you go through your own study.

Example: A methodological review was conducted to examine the data collection and analysis
techniques used in studies on workplace bullying. The review analyzed different research
approaches, such as quantitative and qualitative methods, and evaluated the strengths and
weaknesses of each approach. The review also examined the ontological and epistemological
considerations underlying the research and how they influenced the data collection and analysis
techniques used. The purpose was to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the
different levels of knowledge that researchers draw upon when conducting studies on workplace
bullying. The review highlighted ethical issues related to data collection, such as confidentiality and
informed consent, and emphasized the importance of considering these issues in any research on
sensitive topics. The methodological review provided a valuable resource for researchers who are
planning to conduct studies on workplace bullying and need guidance on selecting appropriate data
collection and analysis techniques.

5. Systematic Review
This form consists of an overview of existing evidence pertinent to a clearly formulated research
question, which uses pre-specified and standardized methods to identify and critically appraise
relevant research, and to collect, report, and analyze data from the studies that are included in the
review. Typically it focuses on a very specific empirical question, often posed in a cause-and-effect
form, such as "To what extent does A contribute to B?"

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Example: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral

therapy (CBT) in treating depression in older adults. The review used pre-specified and standardized
methods to identify and critically appraise relevant research studies that addressed the research
question. The review included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that
evaluated the impact of CBT on depression symptoms in older adults. The review collected and
analyzed data from the studies to determine the overall effectiveness of CBT in treating depression
in older adults. The review also identified potential moderators of treatment effectiveness, such as
age, gender, and severity of depression symptoms. The purpose of the systematic review was to
provide a comprehensive and unbiased overview of the existing evidence on the effectiveness of
CBT in treating depression in older adults. The review used a cause-and-effect form to evaluate the
extent to which CBT contributed to reducing depression symptoms in this population. The findings
of the review suggested that CBT is an effective treatment for depression in older adults, and
highlighted the importance of considering moderators of treatment effectiveness when developing
interventions for this population.

6. Theoretical Review
The purpose of this form is to examine the corpus of theory that has accumulated in regard to an
issue, concept, theory, phenomena. The theoretical literature review helps to establish what
theories already exist, the relationships between them, to what degree the existing theories have
been investigated, and to develop new hypotheses to be tested. Often this form is used to help
establish a lack of appropriate theories or reveal that current theories are inadequate for explaining
new or emerging research problems. The unit of analysis can focus on a theoretical concept or a
whole theory or framework.
Example: A theoretical review was conducted to examine the existing theories and frameworks
related to the concept of work engagement. The review aimed to establish what theories already
exist and the relationships between them, to identify gaps in the literature, and to develop new
hypotheses for future research. The review analyzed different theoretical perspectives on work
engagement, such as job demands-resources theory, self-determination theory, and social exchange
theory, and evaluated their strengths and weaknesses. The review also examined how these
theories have been applied in empirical studies and identified gaps in the literature, such as the
need for more research on the antecedents and outcomes of work engagement. The purpose of the
theoretical review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing theories and
frameworks related to work engagement, and to identify new directions for future research in this
area. The review concluded that work engagement is a complex and multifaceted construct that can
be understood from different theoretical perspectives, and highlighted the need for more
interdisciplinary and integrative research to advance our understanding of this concept.

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Structure of literature review

1. Introduction
Gives a quick idea of the topic of the literature review, such as the central theme or
organizational pattern.
Example: This literature review examines the impact of technology on the learning experiences
of students in higher education. The review focuses on how technology is being integrated into
the classroom, the benefits and challenges of using technology in teaching and learning, and the
implications for student engagement, motivation, and achievement.

2. Body
Contains your discussion of sources.
Example: The review begins by providing a historical overview of the use of technology in higher
education, from the introduction of audio-visual aids to the emergence of online learning
environments. The review then examines the different types of technology used in the
classroom, such as interactive whiteboards, mobile devices, and educational software, and
discusses the ways in which these technologies can enhance student learning experiences. The
review also analyzes the challenges of integrating technology into teaching, such as lack of
faculty training, technical issues, and concerns about the quality of online learning.
Furthermore, the review examines the impact of technology on student engagement,
motivation, and achievement, and discusses the mixed findings from empirical studies.

3. Conclusions/Recommendations
Discuss what you have drawn from reviewing literature so far. Where might the discussion
proceed?
Example: The review concludes that technology has the potential to enhance student learning
experiences, but that its effectiveness depends on how it is integrated into the teaching and
learning process. The review recommends that faculty receive training and support in the use of
technology, that educational institutions invest in high-quality technology infrastructure, and
that further research be conducted to investigate the most effective ways of using technology to
support student learning. The review also suggests that future studies examine the impact of
technology on specific student populations, such as students with disabilities or those from
underrepresented groups, and the implications for equity and social justice in higher education.

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Organization of literature review

• A general organization looks like a funnel

– Broader topics
– Subtopics
– Studies like yours
Example:

Here's an example of an organization for a literature review on the topic of the effectiveness of
mindfulness meditation for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression:

I. Introduction

 Overview of the topic

 Purpose of the literature review

 Research question

II. Background and Theory

 Definition of mindfulness

 Theoretical framework for mindfulness meditation

 Previous research on the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for reducing symptoms of

anxiety and depression

III. Broad Topics

 Benefits of mindfulness meditation

 Similarities and differences between mindfulness meditation and other interventions

 Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression

IV. Subtopics

 Effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing anxiety symptoms

 Effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing depression symptoms

 Comparison of the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation and other interventions for anxiety
and depression

V. Studies like Yours

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 Methodologies used in previous studies

 Results of previous studies

 Limitations of previous studies

VI. Conclusion and Recommendations

 Summary of key findings

 Implications for future research

 Recommendations for clinical practice

Techniques for organizing

Techniques for organizing that snapshot/ reviewed materials

1. Topical Order
organize by main topics or issues; emphasize the relationship of the issues to the main
“problem”
2. Chronological
a. By publication date
b. By trend
e.g.
From 1500-1600
From 1600-1700
From 2000-2001 etc.

3. Problem-Cause-Solution Order

Organize the review so that it moves from the problem to the solution

4. Methodological
Focuses on the methods of the researcher, e.g., qualitative versus quantitative approaches

5. General-to-Specific Order

(Also called the funnel approach) Examine broad-based research first and then focus on specific
studies that relate to the topic

6. Specific-to-General Order

Try to make discuss specific research studies so conclusions can be drawn

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7. Advancements
Improvement in things
e.g. technology (mobile)

8. Geographical
Region wise organizing
e.g. Asia, Africa, USA, Australia etc.

9. Questions

What are the major questions in relationships to this topic that had been addressed by
researchers through the years?

Then put these questions in orders.

Research Connectors for Making links between studies

Research connectors are words or phrases that help to connect ideas and create coherence in academic
writing. Here are some examples of research connectors and their usage:

1. Addition connectors: These connectors are used to add new ideas to the existing ones.

 Moreover, research has shown that exercise can improve mental health.

 In addition to this, studies have found that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of
anxiety and depression.

2. Contrast connectors: These connectors are used to show the differences between two or more
ideas.

 However, some studies have found conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness
meditation for reducing anxiety symptoms.

 On the other hand, research has consistently shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is
effective for treating depression.

3. Causation connectors: These connectors are used to show the relationship between two or
more ideas.

 Because of the increasing prevalence of mental health problems, researchers have become
more interested in studying interventions that can improve mental health.

 As a result of the findings from this study, clinicians may consider using mindfulness-based
interventions as a complementary treatment for anxiety and depression.

4. Comparison connectors: These connectors are used to compare two or more ideas.

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 Similarly, both exercise and mindfulness meditation have been found to be effective for
reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

 In contrast to other interventions, CBT has a strong evidence base and has been recommended
as a first-line treatment for depression.

5. Example connectors: These connectors are used to provide examples of a specific idea.

 For instance, a recent study found that a 12-week mindfulness meditation program led to
significant reductions in anxiety symptoms.

 One example of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression is behavioral activation,

which aims to increase engagement in rewarding activities.

Five easy steps for writing

1. Separate paragraph summaries from citations

2. Arrange paragraph summaries in a logical orders
3. Combine paragraph summaries (if needed)
4. Add paragraph topic sentences and transitions
5. Add introduction and conclusion

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Summary table

• It is useful to prepare.
• Such a table provides a quick overview that allows the reviewer to make sense of a large mass of
information.
• The tables could include columns with headings such as
– Author/ Citation
– Country
– Purpose
– type of study
– Sample
– Design
– data collection approach
– key findings

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Sample Literature Review Summary Table

Author/citation Country Purpose of the Type of Time Sample size Data Limitations Key findings
Study study/ Frame collection
Design approach

Ahmad, I., Khalily, Pakistan aimed to Mixed March 55 Patients Semi- 1. Small The five principal
M. T., & Hallahan, identify the method 2017 to structured sample documented reasons for
B. (2017). Reasons principal factors /Cross- June 2017 4 Hospitals interviews size treatment non-adherence
associated with associated with sectional 2. Only govt. were: 1) alternative
treatment non- non-adherence, hospitals treatment pathway chosen
adherence in including any were with a traditional faith
schizophrenia in a culture specific included healers (n=53, 96.4%), 2) lack
Pakistan cohort. factors that of insight (n=36, 65.5%), 3)
Asian Journal of might not be as poor economic status (n=33,
Psychiatry, 30, 39- significant in 60.0%), 4) adverse effects of
43. other medications (n=33, 60.0%)
jurisdictions and 5) utilising psycho-active
substances as an alternative
to psychotropic medications
(n=27, 41.1%).

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A Good Literature Review is:

• Focused - The topic should be narrow. You should only present ideas and only report on
studies that are closely related to topic.
• Concise - Ideas should be presented economically. Don’t take any more space than you
need to present your ideas.
• Logical - The flow within and among paragraphs should be a smooth, logical progression
from one idea to the next
• Developed - Don’t leave the story half told.
• Integrative - Your paper should stress how the ideas in the studies are related. Focus on the
big picture. What commonality do all the studies share? How are some studies different
than others? Your paper should stress how all the studies reviewed contribute to your topic.
• Current - Your review should focus on work being done on the cutting edge of your topic.

Pitfalls

• Vagueness due to too much or inappropriate generalizations

• Limited range
• Insufficient information
• Irrelevant material
• Omission of contrasting view
• Omission of recent work

What literature you should review?

Journals Articles:
• These are good, especially for up-to-date information. They are frequently used in literature
reviews because they offer a relatively concise, up-to-date format for research.
• Depending on the publication, these materials may be refereed or non-refereed materials.

Books:
• Remember that books tend to be less up-to-date, as it takes longer for a book to be
published than for a journal article.
• They are still likely to be useful for including in your literature review as they offer a good
starting point from which to find more detailed and up-to-date sources of information.

Conference proceedings:
• These can be useful in providing the latest research, or research that has not been
published.

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• They are also helpful in providing information about people in different research areas, and
so can be helpful in tracking down other work by the same researchers.

Government/corporate reports:
• Many government departments and corporations commission or carry out research. Their
published findings can provide a useful source of information, depending on your field of
study.

Theses and dissertations:

• These can be useful sources of information. However there are disadvantages:
• They can be difficult to obtain since they are not published, but are generally only available
from the library or interlibrary loan
• The student who carried out the research may not be an experienced researcher and
therefore you might have to treat their findings with more caution than published research.

Newspapers:
• Since newspapers are generally intended for a general (not specialised) audience, the
information they provide will be of very limited use for your literature review.
• Newspapers are more helpful as providers of information about recent trends, discoveries or
changes,
• Newspapers do not give unbiased opinions.

Internet:
• The fastest-growing source of information is on the Internet.
• Bear in mind that anyone can post information on the Internet so the quality may not be
reliable
• The information you find may be intended for a general audience and so not be suitable for
inclusion in your literature review (information for a general audience is usually less
detailed)

Online sources for literature review

1. www.scirus.com
2. web of knowledge
3. SPIRES
4. NCBI PubMed
5. The library (electronic)
6. HEC Digital Library
 ELSEVIER ( www.sciencedirect.com)
 SPRINGERLINK ( http://www.springerlink.com)
 Wiley-Blackwell Journals ( http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/)
 World Bank e-library (http://elibrary.worldbank.org/)
Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when someone uses another person's words, ideas, or work without giving proper
credit. It's like copying someone else's homework and pretending that you did it all by yourself.

For example, let's say you are writing an essay for school and you find a great article on the internet
that has some perfect sentences you want to use. If you copy those sentences word for word and
don't give credit to the original author, that's plagiarism. Even if you change a few words, it's still
plagiarism if you don't give credit to the original author.
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Plagiarism is considered a serious offense in academia and can lead to consequences such as failing a
course, losing a job, or damaging one's reputation. It's always important to properly cite sources and
give credit where credit is due to avoid plagiarism.

Types of Plagiarism

There are different types of plagiarism that one should be aware of. Some of the most common
types include:

1. Copying word for word: This is when someone copies text verbatim from a source without
giving proper credit.

Example: A student copies a paragraph from a website and pastes it into their paper without using
quotation marks or acknowledging the original author.

2. Paraphrasing: This is when someone rewrites a text in their own words without giving
proper credit to the original source.

Example: A student rewrites a paragraph from a book in their own words, but the structure and
ideas remain the same as the original text.

3. Self-plagiarism: This is when someone submits work that they have previously submitted for
another class or purpose without permission or proper citation.

Example: A student submits an essay they previously submitted for a different class without
informing the teacher or acknowledging that it is a recycled work.

4. Patchwork plagiarism: This is when someone takes bits and pieces of information from
multiple sources and combines them without giving proper credit.

Example: A student creates an essay by piecing together information from different sources without
using quotation marks or citing the sources.

5. Accidental plagiarism: This is when someone unintentionally plagiarizes because they are
not aware of proper citation rules.

Example: A student forgets to cite a source because they didn't realize they needed to, or they
misunderstand how to properly cite a source.

It is important to understand and avoid all types of plagiarism to maintain academic integrity and
avoid negative consequences.

Plagiarism includes (Galvan, pg. 89):

1. Using another writer’s words without proper citation

2. Using another writer’s ideas without proper citation

3. Citing a source but reproducing the exact word without quotation marks

4. Borrowing the structure of another author’s phrases/sentences without giving the source

5. Borrowing all or part of another student’s paper

6. Using paper-writing service or having a friend write the paper

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