The Role of Literature Review in Research

Abstract

This study explored the role of literature review in research. As a crucial component of the research process, the role of literature review is indispensable and cannot be overstated. Most researchers find it difficult to tailor the pattern of a good literature review in research. This lack of understanding of what literature review is, its processes and approaches deemphasize the importance and result in poor research findings and reports. This work, therefore, aimed at correcting and proffering solutions to the observed fundamental flaws and knowledge gaps created by lack of understanding of the tenets of literature review. The work adopted the qualitative research method and relied on secondary sources of information. The work conceptualized what constitutes literature review and its importance. The work also examined the approaches to literature review, and its processes. Some of the findings revealed that literature review faces some challenges which include dearth of materials, value judgment, resource constraints and inability to determine what constitutes relevant materials. This work suggested that there is the need for a rigorous approach and process of literature review in order to realize the full potentials and result of a research endeavour