REVIEW OF LITERATURE INTRODUCTION:-Review of literature is a key step in research process.

Nursing research may be considered a continuing process in which knowledge gained from earlier studies is an integral part of research. The term literature review is used in two ways-one refers to activity involved in identifying an searching for information on a topic and developing an understanding of state of knowledge on that topic DEFINITION:-Review of literature refers to an extensive, exhaustive and systematic examination of publications relevant to the research project. Review of literature is defined as a broad, comprehensive in depth, systematic and critical review of scholarly publications, unpublished scholarly print material, audio-visual materials and personal communications. According to ANA, A literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of knowledge on a particular topic of research According to S.K. Sharma, Literature review is defined as a board, comprehensive, in depth, systematic and critical review of scholarly publication, unpublished printed or audio visual materials and personal communications IMPORTANCE OF REVIEW OF LITERATURE:- Review of relevant Identification of research problem and development of research questions. Literature can help in fulfillment of following objectives: Orientation of what is known and not known. Determination of any gap or inconsistencies in a body of knowledge. Discovery of unanswered questions about subjects, concepts or problems. Identification of relevant theoretical and conceptual framework for research problem. Description of strengths and weakness of designs or methods of enquiry and instruments used in earlier research work. Development of hypothesis to be tested in a research study. Helps in planning the methodology of the present research study. It also helps in development of research instruments. Identification of suitable designs and data collection methods for research study. PURPOSES OF REVIEW OF LITERATURE:Literature reviews can serve a number of functions in the research process. Some of important functions are:SOURCE FOR RESEARCH IDEAS:-Familiarizing oneself with practical or theoretical issues relating to a problem area often helps the researcher to generate ideas or focus on a research topic. A review of literature may proceed the identification of a topic. Reading in areas of general interest can be extremely useful in alerting the researcher to unresolved research problems or to new applications suitable for a project. When a general topic has already been selected, readings on that topic help to bring the problem into sharper focus and aid in formulation of appropriate research questions. ORIENTATION TO WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN:-By the help of review of literature we can know what is already known in relation to a problem of interest. It enables those who are engaged in research to avoid unintentional duplication of a study and focus on aspects of the problem about which there is relatively little knowledge. It helps to identify a study for replications or comparision.It helps to examine difficulties reported by others. PROVISION OF A CONCEPTUAL CONTEXT:-For both qualitative and quantitative researchers, a review of literature is important for developing a broad conceptual context into which research problem will fit. When a study is related to other research, the findings can be better understood within existing base of knowledge.