Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Literature Review

A literature review is a process of gaining more information about a topic under

study. A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by

accredited scholars and researchers (Taylor, n.d.). The literature review is based on the

assumption that knowledge accumulates, and that we learn from and build on what others

have done (Friedman, n.d.).

In writing the literature review, your purpose is to convey to your reader what

knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, and what their strengths and

weaknesses are. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding

concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your

argumentative thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of

summaries.

The purpose of the literature review is to document the state of the art (science),

with respect to a particular question or problem.

The review is PROSE, not a list describing or summarizing one citation after

another. Organize the review into sections that represent themes or sub-topics, or identify

trends.

Literature review is spread over two sections: Review of Local Scientific Papers

and Review of International Scientific Papers. A critical review should show that the
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researchers have studied the existing works in the field with insight. The primary source

of your review consists of are the refereed academic research journals, refereed

conferences, dissertations and theses, reports and occasional papers and government

publications. Secondary sources such textbooks, trade journals, newspapers, magazines

including dictionaries, encyclopedias and handbooks are not usually included in the write

up. Important concepts and theories related to the study are discussed in the Theoretical

or Conceptual Framework.

Consider the simple guidelines that may help you in writing the section on the

related literature:

1. Avoid making the title of the study as a heading. The review of literature does

not require a heading or sub-heading.

2. Sift the studies being reviewed. This means that you should only include

materials which are related to your study. Too many discussions manifests that

you are into unplanned and disorganized rumblings.

3. Get the proper psychological orientation. You need to be clear in your own

thinking and know precisely what it is that you are attempting to do. Your

discussion should focus on the broad spectrum of the study reviewed

(emphasizing the essential nature) that bears directly upon your own effort.

4. Review the literature; do not reproduce it. Review of literature requires that

you keep a clear focus on just what this section is intended to do. What is more

important is what you say about the study than what the author of the study says

in the study.

a. Present your own discussion.

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b. Paraphrase.

c. Use short, direct quotations, if necessary, only.

d. Long quotations are a last resort. Use them only for a particularly good

reason.

5. Observe coherence and clarity in writing. Your discussion should be presented

in an orderly, logical progression, clear and precise manner to facilitate

understanding.

6. Ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and length.

7. Acknowledge the work of the author. It is extremely important that you should

separate your own words and ideas from those of the author. Every statement

must be referenced or documented.

8. Emphasize relatedness. This is especially important and crucial. Remember

that you are writing a review of the related literature. Therefore, you are to point

out precisely what that relationship is. Moreover, discuss the implication of the

information on your investigation. Unless you can establish such accountability,

you would do well to consider whether you should include the study at all. Use a

simple skeleton outline to assist you in establishing the relationship of the

literature to your problem.

Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

Presented are the frameworks used in the study.

Conceptual Framework. Discuss the conceptual framework used in the study.

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Do not just place a figure, always make sure that a discussion that introduces the figure

number is placed before the figure. Discussion of the framework will be held later.

Theoretical Framework. This portion of the paper must follow/reflect the

thematic organization or approach of all theories supporting the research study. As

described, the theoretical framework is a logical and systematic presentation of the

theories that lend support to the topic at hand. Only theories relevant to each of the

research problems are discussed. It is advisable to use center and side headings, or even

paragraph headings whenever necessary. This portion is especially important because the

theories shall help in the interpretation of the research findings.

In addition to the theories, concepts must be presented. It is at this portion of the

paper that terms used will have to be defined. The definition of terms becomes part of the

entire theoretical framework. As a term is mentioned, it must be defined in its operational

dimension. Note that there is no side heading for definition of terms. The terms are

incorporated in the discussion of the theories being used.

The three types of headings are illustrated below:

CENTER HEADING

The center heading is a discussion of the main concept.

Side Heading

Xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

xxxx. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx.

Paragraph heading. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx.

Xxxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx.

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Indicator Minimum number of

page(s)/paragraphs
 Literature and studies to be presented must support At least 20 pages
the specific problems of the study.
 Literature and studies must be presented At least 50
thematically. citations/references for
 For theories, philosophies, and concepts, year of dissertation
publication is not of importance. However, for
results of studies, especially in the social sciences, it At least 30
must be within the five years. citations/references for
 For dissertation, there must be at least 50 references. thesis
For thesis, at least 30 references must be included.
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
 Present theories, concepts, and legal bases that
serves as foundations of your research problems and
objectives
 Discuss the theories in relation to the current
research 3
 Discuss the legal bases/foundations of your research
problems
 Present the schematic diagram/research paradigm of
your study

Sample Schematic Diagram/Research Paradigm

Paradigm of the Study