Review Of Related Literature
- Mridula Sharma
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 19
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
BY- Dr. Mridula Sharma
Chapter 2: Literature Review
The second chapter of a PhD thesis is the Literature Review. It generally includes the following components:
1. Introduction to the Chapter
· This section is usually written in one paragraph.
· Its purpose is to inform the readers about what is included in this chapter.
2. Theoretical Review
· In this section, the researcher reviews the theories related to the research topic. It should explain:
Ø How the theory was developed?
Ø What its main arguments are?
· How the theory has been used to understand the research problem
· There may be multiple theories explaining a single concept. The researcher should review all major theories.
· Finally, the researcher should identify the main theory that forms the basis of the study and justify its selection.
3. Empirical Review
· After discussing theories and models, the researcher is expected to review empirical studies related to the research problem.
· Empirical literature refers to original research studies conducted by other researchers through data collection and analysis. Their findings are based on data rather than theory.
· In this section, it is not sufficient to merely describe what other researchers did and found; critical thinking and analysis are essential.
· The researcher should critically review similar studies and provide comparisons.
· If two studies on the same topic have different findings, the researcher should analyze the reasons, such as:
Ø Differences in population
Ø Differences in methodology
Ways to Organize Empirical Literature
1) Chronological Organization 2) Thematic Organization
1) Chronological Organization
· Literature is arranged according to the date of publication (from oldest to latest).
Advantages:
· Helps in understanding how knowledge on the topic has evolved over time
Limitations:
· Lack of smooth flow
· Studies on similar themes may be scattered
2) Thematic Organization
· Studies are organized based on themes or variables.
· Separate sections are created for each variable, and all related studies are presented together.
· It also highlights:
Ø Areas of agreement
Ø Areas of disagreement
Advantages:
· Better clarity and flow
· Easier identification of research gaps
Therefore, the thematic method is considered more appropriate at the PhD level.
4. Development of Conceptual Framework
· After theoretical and empirical review, the researcher develops a conceptual framework.
· It is a diagrammatic representation showing variables and their relationships.
· It is developed based on literature review and involves three steps:
i. Identify all variables to be analyzed
ii. Determine relationships among variables based on literature
iii. Prepare a diagram representing variables and their relationships
5. Research Gaps
· The main purpose of literature review is to identify:
Ø What is known
Ø What is unknown
· Research gaps are areas where sufficient research has not yet been conducted. New knowledge is contributed by addressing these gaps.
Types of Research Gaps
1) Conceptual/Variable Gaps
Example:
Ø Most studies on maternal health focus on pregnancy and childbirth
Ø Limited research exists on the post-partum period
Ø Therefore, this area can be explored
2) Contextual Gaps (Study Area) Includes:
i)Geographical Gap:
Ø Rural vs Urban
Ø Developed vs Developing countries
ii)Time Gap:
Ø Old vs Recent studies
iii)Demographic Gap:
Ø Male vs Female
Ø Educated vs Uneducated
Ø Middle class vs Lower class
3) Methodological Gaps Includes:
i)Research Design:
· Quantitative vs Qualitative vs Mixed methods
ii)Data Collection Methods:
· Questionnaire
· Interview
· Focus Group
iii)Data Analysis Techniques:
· Descriptive vs Inferential statistics
BY- Dr. Mridula Sharma
Associate Professor/Research Guide/Academic consultant
Content is original. Please give proper credit if reused.
Comments