What is a literature review in a dissertation?

In short, a dissertation literature review gives a critical appraisal of the sources (literature) you have acquired and read about your topic and then identifies a "gap" in that literature that your study will aim to fill.

There are many misconceptions regarding what a dissertation literature review comprises, as it varies. While a dissertation literature review might be a straightforward summary of relevant sources in certain situations, it usually demands you to critically engage with the material to express your favourable or negative ideas about it. What is your take on a certain source? Is this interpretation significantly different from other points of view in the literature? This is the level of critical thinking that is expected of you in a literature review.

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A literature review in a dissertation is a critical examination and synthesis of existing research and scholarly works related to the topic of the dissertation. It serves several important purposes within the context of a dissertation:

1. Contextualizing the Research Problem:
• The literature review provides a background and context for the research problem or question addressed in the dissertation. It helps the reader understand the historical development and current state of knowledge in the field.
2. Identifying Gaps in Knowledge:
• By reviewing existing literature, the researcher can identify gaps, controversies, or unresolved issues in the current body of knowledge. This helps in establishing the need for the research design and demonstrating its significance.
3. Establishing Theoretical Framework:
• The literature review aids in establishing the theoretical framework for the study. It identifies and discusses relevant theories, concepts, and models that inform the research and shape the conceptual framework of the dissertation.
4. Methodological Guidance:
• It helps in understanding the methodologies employed in previous studies related to the research topic. This can guide the researcher in selecting an appropriate research design and methods for their study.
5. Demonstrating Scholarly Engagement:
• A literature review demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with the existing body of knowledge and their ability to engage critically with scholarly works. It shows that a thorough understanding of the subject matter informs the research.
6. Avoiding Duplication:
• By reviewing existing literature, the researcher and the research methodology can ensure that their work contributes something new to the field and avoids duplicating studies that have already been conducted.
7. Building a Conceptual Framework:
• The literature review helps in building a conceptual framework by organizing and synthesizing key concepts, variables, and relationships that are relevant to the research.
8. Supporting the Research Questions or Hypotheses:
• The literature review provides evidence and support for the research questions or hypotheses posed in the dissertation. It helps establish the logical connection between the existing knowledge and the research objectives.

A well-executed literature review involves systematically searching, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant academic sources such as books, journal articles, and other scholarly publications. It is not merely a summary of existing literature but a critical analysis that contributes to the overall understanding of the research topic.

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In conclusion, the literature review serves as a foundational element in the dissertation, offering a comprehensive exploration of existing scholarship. Through a critical analysis of prior research, it establishes the context, identifies gaps in knowledge, and shapes the theoretical and conceptual framework for the study. By navigating methodologies and showcasing scholarly engagement, the literature review guides the research design, ensuring a meaningful contribution to the field. It serves as a roadmap, steering the investigation away from duplication and towards novel insights. Ultimately, PhD Assistance provides the synthesis of knowledge that not only supports the research questions but also enriches the overall academic discourse on the chosen topic.