Reviewing Related Literature (1)

Reviewing Related Literature

Definition

A review of related literature (literature review) is a written summary of published research studies and relevant works about a specific subject related to the researcher’s main topic. It involves examining central issues, problems, findings, and research methods (quantitative or qualitative) used in previous studies.

Importance of Review of Related Literature

1. Enhances Understanding – Helps the researcher understand previous studies related to the topic, including:
   • Existing research findings
   • Research methodologies and theories used
   • Gaps in existing studies
2. Defines Research Scope – Delimits the research topic and provides insights on how to frame the discussion.
3. Provides Sources of Information – Guides the researcher to relevant sources for further learning.
4. Generates New Insights – Offers new ideas and perspectives on the research topic.
5. Improves Writing Skills – Allows the researcher to learn from the writing styles of other scholars.

Characteristics of a Good Literature Review

1. Comprehensive Discussion – Explains the body of knowledge in the research area, including major issues.
2. Establishes Credibility – Increases reader confidence in the researcher’s competence, ability, and academic preparation.
3. Guides Research Direction – Contextualizes the study and aligns it with previous research.
4. Synthesizes Findings – Integrates and summarizes research findings effectively.
5. Identifies Research Gaps – Recognizes unexplored areas and proposes potential hypotheses for future studies.

Finding Sources of Information for Literature Review

1. Periodicals: Newspapers, popular social science magazines, professional publications (e.g., National Geographic), internet news summaries, opinion magazines, editorials, and mass-market publications (e.g., Time, Newsweek, The Economist).
2. Scholarly Journals: Peer-reviewed or abstracted journals (e.g., Malay, ASEAN Studies, Philippines Studies, Philippines Social Science Review), journal articles, book reviews, and online scholarly databases (e.g., JSTOR, EBSCO Host).
3. Books: Books containing original research or compilations of research articles, usually published by university presses.
4. Dissertations and Theses: Research conducted by graduate students, some of which are published as books, while others remain unpublished and can be accessed in university libraries.
5. Government Documents: Reports and publications from national and local government units, government agencies, and international organizations.
6. Policy Reports and Conference Papers: Research published by government and private research institutes and policy centers.