LITERATURE REVIEW Meaning and
Definition
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A literature review refers to a systematic and comprehensive examination of the scholarly sources, such as books, journal articles, dissertations, conference proceedings, and other relevant publications, related to a specific research topic or question. It represents a critical evaluation and summary of the existing literature available on a subject of study.
The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of the existing knowledge and research on a particular topic, demonstrating the scope, depth, and breadth of previous work in the field. It helps researchers to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and weaknesses in the existing literature, which can inform their own research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
A literature review typically involves various stages, including searching for relevant sources, selecting and reading these sources, analyzing and synthesizing the information found, and finally, presenting the findings in a coherent and organized manner. The review can be conducted for different purposes, such as for the development of a theoretical framework, to identify research questions or hypotheses, to support or refute a particular argument, or to inform policy or practice.
In summary, a literature review is a critical survey and analysis of existing scholarly works that helps to establish the current state of knowledge on a specific research topic and provides a foundation for further research.
Etymology of LITERATURE REVIEW
The word "literature review" originates from the combination of two words: "literature" and "review".
1. "Literature" comes from the Latin word "litteratura", which initially referred to a written or spoken composition of letters or words. Over time, it evolved to encompass various forms of written works, including books, manuscripts, and written documents.
2. The word "review" has its roots in Old French and Latin. In Old French, it originated from the word "revoir", meaning "see again" or "inspect". In Latin, the term "revidere" had a similar meaning of "look back" or "examine again".
When these two words are combined, "literature review" refers to the process of examining and analyzing existing written material on a specific topic.
