CHAPTER 2: Review of Literature research report or article, in local or

foreign settings.
and Studies
 Literature review is an organized
Nature of a Literature Review
critique of the important scholarly
 Literature review is a key component literature that supports the study.
of the research process.
 Provide discussions of facts, principles,
 Help the researcher and the consumer trends and practices to which the
of researches. present study is related.
 Provides a basis for the evidence- Literature puts into context the sources of
based research proposal in nursing. related information and data, which
generally consist of books, articles, pertinent
 Review of literature usually happens at
documents, publications, speeches,
the beginning of the research process,
programs, theses and dissertations. All
but in qualitative research, the review
empirical investigations should be built on
may come at the end of the study.
previous knowledge takes from these
 Conducting a literature review will sources.
allow one to see what has happened in
Literature review
other similar situations.
Describes current knowledge of a problem,
 Review of literature and related
the gaps in this knowledge base, and
studies usually follows the problem
contribution of present study to the
statement of the research question. It
development of new knowledge on that
sets the stage or the foundation for
particular research problem.
the rest of the study.
 Review of literature pertains to all
readings related to the study while Types of Related Literature
review of related studies refers to a
Two main types of sources are cited in the
data based researches or theses and
review of literature for research
dissertations made similar to the topic
of the study to be investigated or the  Conceptual or Theoretical
research problem currently  Research or Empirical
investigated.

What is literature review?
 Literature review consists of a
collection of pertinent readings,
published or unpublished data-based
1. Conceptual or theoretical
_Non research reference materials
written by authorities on the subject which
embody experiences, viewpoints and
interpretation of the subject of the research
study.
_It includes concept analyses, models,
theories, and conceptual frameworks
that support a selected research
problem and purpose.
Sources:
encyclopedia, books, journal
articles, commentaries and other
publications, periodicals , monographs
2. Research or empirical literature
_Consist of studies and researches or
theses and dissertations, published or
unpublished, which have a bearing on
the current research.
This is also called data-based
literature.
sources:
Data-based research reports in
journals or books and published or
unpublished studies such as
masteral theses and doctoral
dissertations
Purpose of Related literature and Studies
purpose is to present a strong
knowledge base for the conduct of the
research project
1. It demonstrates the researcher’s
comprehensive grasp of issues related
to thee current research, such as
underlying philosophy, theories,
principles, concepts and practices.
2. It reflect the researcher’s awareness
of recent development in the area of
concern being explored in the current
research, both in content and
methodology.
3. Researcher gains a crucial frame of
reference substantively for the current
research, and in terms of research
variables and the population sampling
4. Through such literature the
researcher is able to determine where
the previous study has ended and
where the current study may begin,
and the similarities and differences of
related researches to the current
research.
5. The researcher discovers findings of
previous researches that have a
bearing on the current research
6. It helps the researcher determine
the researchability and feasibility of
the problem under study.
7. Using the literature, the researcher
is also able to identify the following
areas of concern:
• it may reveal appropriate research
methods and techniques expected to
yield the needed data and information
in the current research:
• it is usually a good source of effective
procedures in data gathering; and
• it provides clues on the sequence of
research activities to be pursued
 • it provides clues on how to unsure
thee accuracy and effectiveness of
data analysis
• 8. The literature serves as a connecting
link between the findings of previous
researches and the results of the
current study.
• 9. It defines terms and suggests
assumptions
• 10. It promotes critical thinking and
critical reading skills
Critical thinking is analysis of ideas,
inferences, assumptions, principles,
arguments, conclusions, issues, statements,
beliefs and actions embodied in the review of
related literature.
Researcher is engaged in the following:
 Systematic, self-directed
thinking;
 Displays mastery for critiquing
research ; and
 The art of being able thinking
better
CRITICAL READING an active, intellectual
process in which the reader participates in an
inner dialogue with the writer.
Critical Reader actively looks assumptions,
key concepts and ideas, reasons and
justifications, implications and consequences
of what is written in the literature to
interpret and assess the accurately and fairly.
Critical Thinking and critical reading skills can
be developed by understanding the research
process through reading of the entire
research article, learning the research
process and determine if conclusions are
based on the study findings.
Critical thinking and critical reading can be
done through the following steps:
 preliminary understanding of the
substance or context of the research
literature
 comprehensive understanding of the
entire context, goals, objectives and
significance.
 analysis and understanding of
research findings integrating
theoretical and practical significance of
the literature to enhance knowledge
and skills
 synthesis and understanding of the
research report too enable the reader
to contextualize the overall meaning
and applicability of the study and serve
as a tool for evidenced-based practice.
This competency is developed, the
researcher will be ready to organize,
synthesize the findings of multiple research
studies and use these in developing
evidence-based practice.
Categories and Sources of Materials for
Literature Review
PRIMARY SOURCES
1) Data-Based Material or Research
Literature
2) Refereed Journals
3) Nursing Theories
4) Ideas from Other Sources
5) Empirical Studies

1. Data-Based Material or Research
Literature
Data-based articles focuses on testing
various concepts, theories or models
and a variety of variables related to the
practice of nursing.
Data-based materials serve as pieces
of evidence which can be used in
making patient-care decisions.
Assessing the strength of scientific
evidence provides a way to guide
nurses in evaluating research studies
for their applicability in clinical
decision making.
Measuring the strength of data based
on evidences includes the following
(AHRQ, 2002):
Quality of evidence. The extent to which the
study design, procedure and analysis
provides objective data and minimize's bias.
Quantity of evidence. The number of studies
evaluated including the strengths and
weaknesses of its findings and data analysis.
Consistency of evidence. The degree to which
studies have similar and different designs,
but investigate the same research questions
and report similar findings.
SECOND SOURCES
2. Refereed Journals
Ideas for purposes of research may
come from literature in the form of
nursing journals, research
compilations, and case study reports
on current trends of nursing care
modalities. Published or unpublished
reports or articles should be refereed
or peer-reviewed as first source of
primary scholarly literature.
3. Nursing Theories
Literature can taken from theoretical
systems and conceptual schemes
developed in nursing and related
disciplines. These theories have been
tested scientifically for applicability to
nursing practice, and may be found in
books, research journals. handouts,
lectures and speeches, among other
possible sources.
4. Ideas from Other Sources
Research studies may be pursued upon
the of suggestion experts, interest
groups, and government or non-
government agencies based on current
needs or problems of the general
population.
5. Empirical Studies
Previous observations and experiences
prior to the current research can help
enrich knowledge and deepen
understanding of the inquiry.
Researches recommend future studies
to further verify or supplement
findings of current studies.
A. Replications
B. Thesis Review
C. Review of Related Research
D. Thesis Critique
E. Thesis Abstract
A. Replications
A study on the same subject or
problem of a previous research may be
repeated, to further verify and confirm
the findings of the initial study.
Replication of a study is justified if the aim is
to:
 Extend the applicability of findings to a
much bigger population or to another
milieu;
 Refine or revise research procedures,
change instruments used, or some
other vital features of the previous
research;
 Update data, particularly there has
been time lapse or radical changes
needed; and
 Verify and validate previous
inconclusive research findings or
results.
B. Thesis Review
This describes research content of
previous studies conducted, hence,
descriptive elements predominate. It
includes an evaluative analysis of the
report.
C. Review of Related Research
This reveals research aims,
methodology and results, the purpose
of which is to identify similarities and
differences of previous researches with
the current research, and to determine
what the latter can further contribute
to the field of the study.
D. Thesis Critique
This is an appraisal of the vital
components of a study. Particularly the
methodology, results and conclusions.
A thesis critique aims to provide a
systematic process for critically
appraising research projects, assess
strengths and limitations and
facilitates critical thinking concerning
applicability of results to the
workplace for evidence- based
practice.
E. Thesis Abstract
Abstract is a summary of research
content. An abstract quickly focuses
the reader on the main points of the
study.
A well presented abstract is accurate,
self-contained, concise specific, non-
evaluative, coherent and readable
which may vary in length from 50 to
250 words (American Psychological
Association, 2001)
For non-research materials, it contains
only the and secondary ideas, proofs
and conclusions.
For qualitative and quantitative
studies, this consists of the substantive
gist the background of the problem,
methodology. findings, conclusions
and recommendations.
Locating and Preparing the Literature
Review (10)
1. Determine the concept/issue/topic or
problem to be investigated
Keep focused on the purpose or
objective of the study. Use the
literature both conceptual and data-
based articles on a specific concept or
variable to support opinions
2. Identify terms or variables of the
study.
Select the literature for review, making
sure that these are related to the key
words or variables in the title of the
study as well as in the goals and
objectives of the study.
 3. Visit the Library and Gather Pertinent
Materials for Review as well as surf the
internet or websites
Conduct the search or ask the
reference librarian for help. Read data-
based guide books, journals and scan
through your search. Read abstracts,
theses, dissertations and other
pertinent materials related to the
variables of study. Mark only those
that fit the topic
4. Organize the Review and weed out
irrelevant sources before printing
Start by planning how the materials
are to be organized into a meaningful
whole. Remove the topics that are not
necessary and focus only on
meaningful data to support the
variables of the study. It is important
to determine what knowledge and
experiences on the study exist, to help
develop a theoretical or conceptual
framework for the current study
5. Retrieve relevant sources and
consolidate ideas
coherently from various sources in
order to develop a wholistic and
meaningful review of related literature
This is possible only if the researcher is able
to:
 Locate literature sources through the
library card catalogue, indexes,
abstracts and books;
 Read the materials comprehensively,
and get a clear viewpoint of issues or
problems cited in the review;
 Take note of information embodied in
the literature review such as the
following:
•Facts, statistics, findings of previous
researches; •Theories, principles and
concepts;
•Methods, techniques and procedures;
 Synthesize the reviewed materials into
a holistic body of content which ties up
with that of the current research
6. Critically read each source.
Use critical reading strategies and copy the
article including the name of the author, title
of the journal, year, volume number and the
pages. Summarize and critique each source.
This can save time in word processing the
paper.
7.Note-Taking and Documentation. Copy
articles if unable to print directly from
database.
If an article is available on-line or in
journals or microfilm, scan its abstract
before printing or copying to
determine if its worth the time and
money to retrieve it
There are ways to write and document
the articles:
a. Summarizing
The author's ideas are shortened
and expressed briefly, and may be
stated in the researcher's own
words.
b. Quoting
This is a direct or verbatim
reproduction of the actual
statements of the author of the
literature
c. Paraphrasing
The material read is stated in the
researcher's own words. In
paraphrasing, the researcher needs
to understand the literature
 thoroughly and state the intended
meaning in order to avoid
distortions
d. Acknowledging source(s) of data
and information by footnoting this
and indicating cross references
Examples from Campbell
(2006):
I. Primary sources:
-Lawrence Lapin. Statistics For
Modern Business. (New York:
Hardcourt Brace Jovanich, Inc.,
2001) p. 26. -Donna News and
Hansen Verona, "Planned
Change, A quest for Nursing
Autonomy, 'International
Journal of Nursing Studies,
(Massachusetts: 2000), III, 8. pp.
23-37.
II. Secondary Source:
-Faye Abdellah and Levine,
Eugene, "Effect of Nurse Staffing
on Satisfaction of Nursing Care,
"Hospital Series (Chicago, 1970),
cited by Abdellah, Faye, Better
Patient Care Through Nursing
Research, (New York: McMillan
Co., 2001), pp. 564-570
e. Cite References
References are also called cross
references. They connect related
headings in the catalogue to give
access to names, different forms of
names, and uniform titles not used
as headings
f. See reference
This refers to a reference that
directs the users from terms or
names that are not used to terms
and names that are used.
Examples:
• AHSS
•See American Society for
Hortcultural Science
•Document Delivery
•See Interlibrary loans
•Elliot, T.S. (Thomas Stearns), 1988-
1965
g.See also reference
this means a reference that directs the
user of the catalogue from one term or name
to other related terms or names
Examples:
_Athens
_See also Citizenship
_Law
_See also Jurispudence
8. Ways to cite source of literature include
the following:
a. footnotes
These are typed at the bottom of the
page to which the reference of the
literature is made without burden to
the narrative portion.
b. endnotes
These are placed at the end of the
sentence of an article, chapter, book or
essay instead of placing them at the
bottom.
c. American psychological association
(APA) style
This is a widely accepted style of
documentation, particularly in nursing
and the social and health sciences. APA
style uses the author-date style of
 parenthetical referencing, with such
source citations keyed
to a subsequent list of “References”.
• Single author
Format should be Author’s last name
followed directly by a comma, then the
year of publication (ex. Tan, 2010).
Examples:
A recent study found a genetic cause
of smoking (McGee, 2009).
McGee (2009) discovered a possible
genetic cause of smoking.
• Two authors
Authors should be presented in order
that they appear in the published
article. If they are cited within closed
parentheses, use ampersand between
them.
Examples:
A recent study found a possible genetic
cause of smoking (Paulino & Lee,
2009).
Paulino and Lee (2009) discovered a
possible genetic cause of smoking.
• Print sources
Book by one author
Sheril, R. D. (1956). The terrifying
future: Contemplating color
television. San Diego: Halstead
• Internet: online electronic databases
Electronic databases are used to find
journal sources or periodicals of data-
based and conceptual articles on a
variety of topics as well as publications
of professional organizations and
various government agencies.
For electronic references, websites,
and online articles, APA Styles asserts
some basic rules, which is to:
• Direct readers specifically to the
source material using uniform resource
locator (URLs);
• Include the access date;
• Include all other relevant APA style
details for the source material;
• Include internet article based on a
print sources (with exact formatting of
original)
Example:
• Marlowe, P., Spade., and Chan, C.
(2001). Detective work and the
benefits of colour versus black and
white [Electronic version]. Journal of
Pointless Research, 11, 123-124.
d. Harvard
uses ‘author-date’ style of referencing. In-
text references (generally) appear in the
following format: (Author’s Surname, Year
of Publication, Page Number.
e. Modern language association
Is used widely for academic writing,
particularly in the humanities. MLA uses
an author-page system of in-text citation.
9. Synthesize critical summaries of each
article in presenting the contents of the
review
Decide how to present the synthesis of
the reviewed articles either
chronologically or according to type,
conceptual or data-based, word-
processed the synthesized materials and
make a reference list
 10. Take note of the Fallacies in the
Literature Review
The common fallacy of researcher in the
review of related literature is the
tendency to accept the results of previous
researches as fact of proof that the
hypothesis is correct.
WRITING THE REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE
A well-prepared literature review
documents the current knowledge on a
selected topic and indicates the findings
that are ready for use in the practice
 Create a Literature review theme
 Organized the Literature
 Write the Review
Ways to structure your Literature Review
Different ways to organise your literature
review include
 Topical order (by main topics or issues,
showing relationship to the main
problem or topic)
 Chronological order (simplest of all,
organise by dates of published
literature)
 Problem-cause-solution order
 General to specific order
 Known to unknown order
 Comparison and contrast order
 Specific to general order
Steps in Writing Literature review
 Write a Literature Review
 Narrow your topic and select papers
accordingly.
 Search for literature.
 Read the selected articles thoroughly
and evaluate them.
 Organize the selected papers by
looking for patterns and by developing
subtopics.
 Develop a thesis or purpose statement.
 Write the paper.
 Review your work.
Steps in writing literature review
The following are the guidelines to
remember while writing the literature
review
1. The review should not be a mere
collection of quotations;
2. It is also not merely a series of
summaries or abstract;
3. It must be a well-integrated discussion
of one or several variables of the
problem under the study;
4. The researcher should observe
chronology as the organizing principle
and start from the earliest and end
with the most recent publication so as
to trace the development of theory
 5. The researcher should specify whether statement of how articles support the
the setting of the research is local or proposal and how it meet the needs of some
international; and aspect of nursing practice.
6. Footnote or endnote all entries.

The literature review usually begins with an

introduction, presentation of related studies
and concludes with a summary of current
knowledge, such as the following;
1. Introduction.
- The introduction indicates the focus or
purpose of the review; describes the
organization of sources; and indicates
the basis for ordering the sources.
Brief and should be interesting enough PRESENTER
to capture the attention of the reader.
Gracian Vel M. Dalumpines
2. Presentation of related studies.
BSN 3-A
- For each study, the purpose, sample,
size, design, and specific findings
Necolle kean D. Benjamin
should be presented, with a scholarly
but brief critique of the study’s BSN 3-A
strengths and weaknesses. This
critique should be clear and concise Rhaizza Camilla D. Benjamin
and include only the most relevant
BSN 3-A
studies. Use paraphrases and
summaries. Should relate to the
themes of articles and the limitations Gellean M. Dalumpines
in the studies as well as the gaps
BNS 3-A
identified by the authors of the articles
or studies.
Ariane Guizela O. Dadia
BSN 3-A
3. Summary of current knowledge.
- This portion should include the critical
knowledge pertinent to the study, what is
known and not known. It is summary