Literature Review in Quantitative Study
Synopsis
One important part of a research is the review of related literature. We should clearly differentiate literature search and literature review. A researcher does not only look for articles, journals or other research for that matter but researcher should be able to take an in-depth search of those materials that would provide him/her a clarity and focus on the topic he or she is aiming for. Literature review is not just a summary of available works and materials but rather a critical description of works that is relevant to the research topic. Literature review serves many purposes in research such as first, you conduct it to look for possible connection and relevance to your own topic of interest. Second, to have a better understanding of possible underlying theoretical and conceptual frameworks that you may find essential in your topic. Third, it provides support to the topic you have chosen, making it more credible since it is based on the trends and issues and substantive problems in the fields of interest of the researcher. Lastly, it helps the researcher raise uncovered research questions and justify the needs for the research to materialize. In quantitative research, a systematic review is necessary where the researcher starts by asking questions which include the main problem of the research followed by sub questions for the specific aspects of the research. A systematic review is more of a question-driven methodology.
