What is a Review of Related Literature (RRL)?
While we often use the term “research” broadly to mean searching for information online or in a library, in the context of academic scholarship, this activity is more accurately and specifically called a Literature Review or Review of Related Literature (RRL).
The RRL is a systematic process. It involves identifying, locating, organizing, and analyzing existing academic and research journals, books, dissertations, and other scholarly documents that are relevant to your chosen research topic. It is a critical component of research that ensures your study is grounded in established knowledge.
Why is a Review of Related Literature Essential?
A well-designed study must build upon and utilize the existing body of knowledge in its field. The process of conducting a thorough literature review is not a superficial step; it is foundational to the quality and relevance of your research.
Here are the critical values and functions of the RRL in the research process:
1. Preventing Duplication and Identifying Gaps
The RRL provides crucial information about past research studies related to your intended investigation. By knowing what has already been done, you actively prevent the duplication of research undertakings. More importantly, the review helps to expose gaps in the field of study. These gaps represent areas in the existing body of knowledge that are unexplored or parts where previous studies yielded inconclusive or contradictory results. Identifying these gaps allows your research to make a novel contribution.
2. Establishing Authority and Theoretical Context
Reviewing the literature provides researchers with all possible constructs, definitions, and theoretical perspectives related to their study. This process affords confidence and authority to the researchers, showing that they are well-versed in the scholarly conversation surrounding their topic. The RRL helps in building the study’s theoretical or conceptual framework.
3. Informing Research Methodology and Design
Literature serves as a practical guide for executing your research. It provides valuable information about:
- Methods Used: Details on research designs utilized in similar studies (e.g., experimental, descriptive, qualitative).
- Sampling: The characteristics of the samples used in previous studies and the appropriate sampling techniques (the process of selecting research participants).
- Variables and Data: How variables were measured and operationalized, the kinds of data gathered, and the tools (instruments) used to collect that data.
- Analysis: The types of statistical or qualitative analysis and interpretation done on the collected data.
4. Supporting and Interpreting Findings
The findings of previous studies, enumerated in your RRL, are essential for the final stages of your research. They serve as a critical reference point:
- They may support or contradict the findings of your present study, providing context for your results.
- They provide ideas on how implications and recommendations may be drawn out of the analysis and interpretation of your data, grounding your conclusions in established theory.
In essence, a thorough literature review is the intellectual foundation of your study. It prevents wasted effort and ensures that your discussion, analysis, and interpretation of findings reflect the depth and rigor required of academic research.
