What is the primary purpose of a literature review in research?

The primary purpose of a literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research on a particular topic, highlighting significant findings, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. It allows researchers to identify trends in the literature, understand the state of research, and consider the breadth of studies conducted thus far.

By examining the entirety of existing studies, a literature review serves as a foundational component of research, informing the researcher about what is already known and paving the way for new research questions. This broad scope ensures that the new study can build upon established knowledge and avoid redundancy.

While the idea of studying all existing studies is a part of the process, it's more about synthesizing and critically assessing them rather than simply summarizing all findings. It also lays the groundwork for identifying gaps in research or proposing new theories based on insights gained from previous studies, which are key elements of the literature review process.