What is the purpose of a literature review in research?

The purpose of a literature review in research is primarily to synthesize existing research and identify gaps in the current knowledge on a specific topic. This process involves gathering, analyzing, and summarizing the findings from various studies to provide a comprehensive overview of what has already been established. It allows researchers to understand the existing landscape of research, highlight areas that require further investigation, and build upon the work that has been done.

By identifying gaps in the literature, researchers can frame their own studies to address these unmet needs, ensuring that their work contributes valuable knowledge to the field. This synthesis not only lays the groundwork for new research questions but also helps to contextualize new findings within the broader academic dialogue.

While critiquing previous studies may happen within a literature review, the primary purpose is broader and focuses on synthesizing knowledge rather than just criticism. Summarizing findings from specific experiments or presenting raw data collected from surveys does not fulfill the broader role that a literature review plays in understanding and advancing research.