The Purpose of a Literature Review in a Dissertation

When writing a literature review, it’s easy not to see the forest because of the trees. This means that you may be so focused on the details of how to write a literature review that you lose sight of the purpose of it. Having a grasp of the larger purpose of the literature review, however, can help you write it by better understanding what it should include.

A literature review is a critical component of a dissertation that serves multiple purposes, making it a foundational element in academic research. Its primary role is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research relevant to your topic. By reviewing and analyzing key sources, you position your research within the broader academic discourse, helping readers understand the context and background of your study, as well as highlighting research that still needs to be conducted supporting the need for your study.

Demonstrating Knowledge of the Field
One of the key purposes of a literature review is to showcase your understanding of the subject area. By summarizing and evaluating the existing literature, you demonstrate your grasp of the theories, methodologies, and findings that have shaped the field. This not only strengthens your credibility as a researcher but also shows that you are familiar with the body of work that informs your study.

Identifying Gaps in Research
A well-constructed literature review helps in identifying gaps in existing research. By critically analyzing previous studies, you can pinpoint areas that have not been fully explored, inadequacies in past methodologies, or contradictory findings. This sets the stage for your research by highlighting the specific contributions your study aims to make to address a specific gap. The literature review essentially answers the question: Why is your research necessary?

Establishing Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
Through a literature review, you also develop a theoretical or conceptual framework for your study. This framework is built by identifying key theories, models, or constructs that will guide your research. It helps clarify the lens through which you are approaching your research problem and provides the basis for your methodology and analysis.

Avoiding Duplication of Work
By thoroughly examining prior studies, a literature review ensures that you are not duplicating work already done. Instead, it allows you to build on existing research, making your study a valuable addition to the field. This helps maintain the integrity of academic research, encouraging innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge.

A literature review does more than summarize existing studies; it situates your research within the academic conversation, identifies gaps and opportunities for further investigation, and sets the foundation for your theoretical and methodological approaches. It is an essential step toward producing a meaningful and original contribution to your field.

Need assistance with your dissertation? Schedule your free consultation here!