A review of the literature is an integral component of a high-quality research project. It is a tool of paramount importance, allowing the researcher to examine and synthesize the contemporary body of expert knowledge. Good literature reviews inform the study and fill it with high-quality data (Adams, Khan, & Raeside, 2014). In fact, they may serve two distinct purposes, both of which are of equal significance. First, a review of the literature is the primary instrument for constructing a solid theoretical framework, upon which further examination of the topic is conducted. More specifically, at this stage, a researcher synthesizes the leading experts’ perspectives on a subject matter (McMenamin, 2006). Then, based on this data, a framework of reference is formed and applied to the practical findings. Second, a review of the literature on its own can be instrument of research. This is particularly relevant to qualitative studies that address a newly emerging topic that is not yet established in the academic environment. A good literature review can institutionalize the knowledge by bridging the research gaps identified prior.
However, the emphasis should be laid on the quality of the review, which can be attained by following instrumental strategies. The ultimate purpose of it is to establish the validity of the findings and ensure that the review yields relevant information (O’Gorman and MacIntosh, 2015). To this end, a search activity record is a useful technique that prevents the researcher from digressing in the course of the study. Furthermore, this information can be shared with peers and reviewers in order to confirm the study’s validity and replicability. This can be done by keeping numerical data in the form of each query’s results. Next, it is important to set the correct direction before the search even begins. In this regard, having a solid search framework that stems directly from the central research question is highly recommended. For example, medical study experts rely on the PICO framework (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) (Charles Sturt University Library, 2021). Other prominent paradigms include SPIDER (sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, research type). In a way, these frameworks are equations in which variables are added depending on the particular research aims.
In spite of the variety of them, all paradigms serve the purpose of organizing the research and keeping it within the required limits. This mission is associated with one of the most important risks in a literature review. When addressing a topical, under-researched issue, it may be easy to digress from the specific purpose of the project (Charles Sturt University Library, 2021). Often, researchers try to encompass an excessively broad scope, adding less relevant components to the discussion. As a result, the review loses focus and compromises its own validity. Additionally, the quality of this work largely depends on the quality of the sources used. Topical issues inevitably attract much attention in the informational space, prompting various people to express their opinions. Not all of these opinions are equally valuable since a good literature review needs strong expert perspectives. Thus, the recommended strategy is to rely mostly on recent academic articles from peer-reviewed journals. These techniques are the core of a successful literature review, contributing to a valid research project.
Reference List
Adams, J., Khan, H.T.A. and Raeside, R. (2014) Research methods for business and social science students. 2nd ed. Sage, New Delhi.
O’Gorman, K. and MacIntosh, R. (2015) Research Methods for Business & Management. A guide to writing your dissertation. 2nd ed. Goodfellow Publishers Ltd, Oxford.
McMenamin, I. (2006) ‘Process and text: teaching students to review the literature’, PS, Political Science & Politics, 39(1), pp. 133-135.
Charles Sturt University Library (2021) Literature review: developing a search strategy. Web.