Learning from others

and Reviewing the

Literature
(Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature)
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the unit, the learner shall be able
to:
1. Select relevant literature
2. Cite
related literature using American
Psychological Association Standard
3. Synthesize information from relevant literature
4. Write coherent review of literature
5. Follow ethical standards in writing related
literature
6. Present written review of literature
INTRODUCTION:
Researchers are based on facts and
scholarly works. Researchers based
their studies within the context of
existing knowledge . It is uncommon
for a research study to be conducted
out of one’s own belief or opinion.
Researchers conduct literature review
to familiarize themselves with existing
knowledge about a specific topic. The
roles that literature review play in a
research project will be discussed in
this unit.
 CONTENT:
Review of Related
Literature
What is a review of related
Literature?
Review of Related Literature or
literature review is a summary of the
state of existing knowledge on a research
problem or topic. It is an analysis and
synthesis of articles related to the
research topic being studied.
3 processes involve in RRL
1.Searching RELEVANT ARTICLES
2.Reading and analyzing Research
Reports
3.Writing the description of the
existing information on a topic in a
manner that is ethical and based on
standards.
What are the purposes of
literature review?
1. To identify a research problem
2. To improve a research question or hypothesis
3. To determine what is known and unknown
about the topic of inquiry
4. To determine whether a study needs to be
replicated in a different setting or different
group of population.
5. To identify suitable designs or methods for
a specific study
6. To assist researchers in interpreting
findings.
Types of Literature
There are 2 major types of
literature. These are: research
literature, also known as
empirical references and non-
research references.
1. Research Literature – these are
literature based on research
findings. These are data supported
by evidences.

Example: Journal articles, literature

reviews, abstracts of research
studies.
2. Non-research references – these are
literature which are not based on research
findings These literatures can provide insights
and may broaden understanding regarding
topic. However, since they are not based on
research findings, they have limited use and
they do not serve the purpose of review of
related literature.
Example: literary or artistic works,
opinion articles, brochures,
magazines, anecdotes
 Sources of Research Literature
Research Literature has two possible sources.
These are:
1. PrimarySource – these refer to description of
studies written by the researchers themselves.

Example: Researches published in a journal,

abstract prepared by the researcher(s),
dissertations, thesis, undergraduate researches,
presentation done by the researcher.
2. Secondary Source – these are
description of studies written by someone
else, other than the researchers who
conducted them. These description or
interpretation of studies by other
researchers should not become substitute
for primary sources because they are less
detailed and may be subjective in nature.
Example: literature review, abstract prepared
by a reviewer, presentation of research done
by someone else other than the researcher.
THE PROCESS OF
LITERATURE
REVIEW
1. SEARCHING RELEVANT ARTICLES
In the past, searching for literature is done
manually. A researcher needs to go to the
libraries and manually look for relevant
documents that he can use in his research
study . With the advent of technology comes
the expanding use of Internet. The
effectiveness and efficiency of searching
literature using online databases are starting
to make manual search for printed resources
obsolete.
However one must understand that there
are certain accessible search engines that
might give you interesting yet questionable
data. A researcher must learn the skill of
investigating which data are research –
based or not.
Searching for Print Resources
Presently, manual searches are being
overshadowed by electronic searches .
However, most top-of-the-line journals are
commercially available only and there are
high subscription fees which can be very
expensive for students. Another reason to do
manual search for printed materials is when a
researcher needs to perform a search to
include early literature on a topic.
Print Indexes
Are books that are used to locate articles in
journals and periodicals, books,
dissertations, publications of professional
organizations, and government documents.
When using a print index, you usually first
need to identify the appropriate subject
heading. Once the proper subject heading
is determined, you can proceed to the
subject section of the index, which lists the
actual references.
If you are doing a completely manual
search, it is a wise practice to begin the
search with the most recent issue of
the index and then to proceed
backward.
 2. Reading and Analyzing Research
Reports
TIPS ON READING RESEARCH REPORTS
1. Makeresearch reading a habit. With this,
you will become familiar with its style of
writing.
2. Highlight
significant information and do
not hesitate to write marginal notes on
photocopies of research reports.
3. Initially scan the report then read them
more slowly next time.
4. Ensure that you understand what you read.
This must be a constant effort on the part of
the reader. Asking one’s self whether
comprehension of the material is taking
place.
5. Do not be discouraged by technical terms or even
statistical data. Try to understand the general idea of
the report.
6. Translate research jargons into more familiar terms
.Glossary or Terminologies sections of research
textbooks may guide you in this activity.
7. For beginning student researchers, critical
evaluation of research reports may be challenging. But
do not underestimate the value of your sense while
reading.
3. Writing the description of the existing
information on a topic
There are no fixed systems in preparing a written review. What is important is to
organize