Literature review

Question 1

Introduction - CELI

Answer 1

• provides the CURRENT state of knowledge on a subject
• summarizes the EXISTING research which shows how much reading the researcher has done on the subject
• shows the LACK of research that has been done on a subject
• highlights how the researcher’s IDEAS will fill the gap and address what is missing in existing literature

Question 2

Purpose - GIFCU

Answer 2

• helps GUIDE researchers in formulating their question
• INFORMS the researcher on existing knowledge
• it FAMILIARIZES the audience with the subject area of the research
• It stimulates CREATIVE thinking and generates new ideas
• It shows how well the researcher UNDERSTAND the topic of interest

Question 3

Development & implementation - CASLAFP

Answer 3

• CONSULT academic sources for existing literature
• Go through the ABSTRACT of various articles
• Create a STRUCTURE for the literature review by outlining the headings and sub-headings
• Create a LIST of QUESTIONS that will be answered in the literature review
• Summarises the main ARGUMENTS found in existing research
• Create a theoretical FRAMEWORK that will provide direction for understanding and evaluating existing literature
• Paraphrase

Question 4

Strengths - CRIS

Answer 4

• shows CURRENT thinking in the field which allows for up-to-date information
• examines RELEVANT literature
• Excludes IRRELEVANT material which helps maintain focus on the study
• SYNTHESIZES findings which provides comprehensive overview of the topic

Question 5

Weaknesses - WRROC

Answer 5

• Poor WRITING skills can result in a literature review that is unclear and difficult to follow
• Weak REFLECTIVE skills can limit deeper insights to the literature
• Poor READING skills can lead to misinterpretation or miss key information
• Emphasis on OUT-DATED material can make the literature review irrelevant
• Lack of CRITICAL thinking skills may lead to failure in identifying gaps in the literature