Chapter 5
REVIEW OF
RELATED
LITERATURE
Review of • A literature review discusses
published information in a
particular subject area, within a
Placement and Part of the
Review
Related certain time period. The placement of the
Review of Related
• It surveys scholarly articles,
Literature books and other sources such
as dissertations and conference
Literature and Studies in a
thesis/dissertation report
and Studies proceedings relevant to a
particular issue, area of
may vary according to the
practice adopted by a
research, or theory, providing a particular
description, summary, and
critical evaluation of each work.
college/university and the
style of a particular field of
• The purpose is to offer an specialization.
overview of significant literature
published on a topic.
Related Literature
It consists of theories, concepts, ideals, principles, and other established knowledge (or
literature) on the topic of a research on hand.
Sources of related literature include books/monographs, textbooks, general reference
books, professional journals, bulletin and circulars emanating from government offices
and department, report from seminar, constitutional laws and statutes.
It is sometimes referred to as Conceptual Literature – for which reason it may also take
place of the Theoretical and Conceptual of a study.
Related Studies
• These are documented reports in the
findings/results of previous
researches/studies.
• These may be published, such as those
appearing in scientific and professional
journals(e.g. Journal of Educational
Research), research abstract journals, or
their equivalent in CD format, and even
specialized reference books (e.g.
Encyclopedia of Educational Research).
• They may also be unpublished (such as
thesis and dissertation).
Purpose of Literature Review
Place each work in the Identify new ways to
Describe the relationship
context of its contribution interpret, and shed light
of each work to the other
to the understanding of on any gaps in, previous
under consideration.
the subject under review. research.
Resolve conflicts
Identify areas of prior
amongst seemingly Point the way forward for
scholarships to prevent
contradictory previous further research.
duplication of effort.
studies.
The literature review itself,
Place one‘s original work
however, does not
in the context of existing
present new primary
literature.
scholarship.
What to Include in the Review?
THEY MUST BE AS RECENT AS MATERIALS REVIEWED MUST BE MATERIALS SURVEYED MUST BE REVIEWED MATERIALS MUST BE
POSSIBLE OBJECTIVE AND UNBIASED. RELEVANT TO THE STUDY. SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO GIVE
INSIGHT INTO THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM OR TO INDICATE THE
NATURE OF THE PRESENT
INVESTIGATION.
How to Write the Review?
Avoid treating each article or related study as a separate paragraph, resulting in an enumerative manner. Instead,
bring all the studies with the same or similar findings in the same paragraph.
Avoid excessive use of quotations or exact citation. Paraphrase, summarize, or synthesize the findings. Experts
are one in their view that a research report can be made interesting if quotations are used when the material
quoted is specially written and can be inserted without spoiling the continuity of the presentation.
Related materials may be cited chronologically, citing first those written earlier.
Cite only the major findings, generalizations and conclusions, relevant to the problem under the investigation
IMPORTANCE OF REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
CONTEXT
Provides background and context for your
research.
GAPS
Identifies gaps in the existing research.
FOUNDATION
Establishes a foundation for your study.
CREDIBILITY
Demonstrates your knowledge of the field.
PROCESS OF REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
DEFINE YOUR RESEARCH EVALUATE AND SELECT SOURCES WRITE THE REVIEW
QUESTION
SEARCH FOR RELEVANT ORGANIZE THE LITERATURE REVISE AND EDIT
LITERATURE
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Transitions
Words to illustrate – for example, for instance, take the case of, consider,
to illustrate.
Words to show comparison – similarly, in the same manner, by
comparison, in the same way, so, likewise, in the same way.
Words to show sequence – logically, chronologically, primarily, one, two,
first, second, step by step, sequentially.
Word to show consequence – therefore, accordingly, consequently, as a
result, for this reason, all this suggests, thus, hence.
Words to tie relationships – next, then, later on, sometimes later, a year
later, at present, at the same time, earlier, meanwhile.