CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The review of literature is literally a review (look again)

at what has already been written about a topic. It is the major
process that leads the researcher to a past theory. It involves a
systematic identification and analysis of documents containing
information related to the research problem. The review of
literature may be done in two phases.
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The First Phase is called Initial Search – the researcher quickly

goes over pertinent publications and develops a knowledge
base that helps him determine if he should continue pursuing
his intended study.

The Second Phase is called Secondary Search – the researcher

makes an in depth and critical evaluation of all the publication
relevant to the intended topic of research.
CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Importance of the Literature

Review
The review of literature is important because the
reviewed literature serves as foundation of the proposed
investigation. It is from the literature that the researcher will be
able to draw a theory to which he can link his study. It provides
the conceptual or theoretical framework of the research to be
undertaken.
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

• It gives the researcher a better understanding of his chosen

topic.

• A thorough review of literature will give the researcher a

feeling of confidence.

• A good review of literature gives information about the

research methods, population, sampling, instruments used and
statistical computation of past studies similar to the intended
study.

• The researcher will be able to identify the strengths and

weaknesses of the studies that have been conducted about the
topic.
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The Literature to be Reviewed maybe classified as:

A. Academic (Research) Literature

Also called scholarly, the literature is work that is written
and reported primarily for an academic audience; it is reported in
scientific manner.
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Sources of Academic Literature

• Peer Reviewed Journal literature

Works that have been refereed or quality assured by the scholars
in the field; as a general rule, peer reviewed articles should be the
main source of an information for literature review; provide
concise information regarding theories, methodologies,
application and interpretation relevant to your thesis.

• Conference proceedings
Articles or abstracts published by organizers of academic
conferences.
Previous research theses and dissertations (avoid plagiarism)
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

B. Teaching (Conceptual) Literature

These are literature gathered from:

• Textbooks
• Case studies
• Magazines and trade journals (The Economist, Newsweek,
Time)
• Government reports and business reports
• Newspapers (subject to bias)
• Internet (be sure that a reputable source is cited and confirm
models/theories in scientific publication
 CHAPTER 3: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Questions to be Answer for All Information in the Literature

Review
• Is it relevant?
• Does it come from a reputable source?
• Does it present a compelling theoretical argument or rigorous
empirical results (i.e. is it good)?
• What were the motives of the author