A literature review is a scholarly written work that synthesizes existing research on a particular topic to establish a framework for understanding, identify gaps in current knowledge, and provide context for future research. It encompasses the systematic assessment and summarization of relevant literature, often outlining major themes, trends, and controversies within the body of work being reviewed.
Reference Source 1:
Source: Creswell, J.W., & Creswell, J.D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches.
Definition: In this book, the authors describe a literature review as a critical examination of existing research that assists researchers in identifying what has already been studied, clarifying the significance of their study, and establishing theoretical frameworks. They emphasize that a literature review involves categorizing existing studies to highlight trends and gaps in the research.
Reference Source 2:
Source: Hart, C. (1998). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination.
Definition: Hart defines a literature review as both a narrative form of scholarly writing and a vital component of the research process. He discusses its role in summarizing and synthesizing prior work to form a foundation for new investigations and suggests that an effective literature review is crucial for developing a research proposal and for situating one’s work within the larger academic discourse.
These two perspectives underline the importance of a literature review in both establishing context for research and guiding subsequent investigative efforts.