CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Research Framework
 What I Need to Know
• A research framework illustrates the structure or blueprint
of the research plan and helps the researcher formulate
relevant research questions.
• The framework consists of the key concepts and assumed
relationships of the research project.
• It is normally used as a guide for researchers so that they
are more focused on the scope of their studies.
• It can be presented using visual (diagrams, chart, etc.) and
narrative (paragraph stating the concepts and
relationships of the study) forms.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
• A theoretical framework is commonly used for studies
that anchor on time- tested theories that relate the
findings of the investigation to the underpinning relevant
theory of knowledge

• A conceptual framework refers to the actual ideas,

beliefs, and tentative theories that specifically support the
study. It is primarily a conception or model of what is out
there that the researcher plans to study.
 Similarities of the Theoretical and
Conceptual Framework
1.Provide an overall view of the research study;
2.Anchor a theory that supports the study;
3.Guide in developing relevant research
questions/objectives;
4.Help justify assumptions/hypothesis;
5.Aid in choosing appropriate methodology;
6.Help in gathering and interpreting data and
7.Guide in identifying possible threats to validity.
 Concept Map
• A concept map is a visual representation of information
that helps show the relationship between ideas. Concept
maps begin with the main topic and then branch out into
sub-topics, reflecting the connection of all the elements in
the study. It can also provide and organize new ideas.

• It is composed of different figures such as lines, circles,

boxes, and other marks or symbols which represent the
elements of your research. It can take the form of charts,
graphic organizers, tables, flowcharts, Venn
• Before creating your conceptual framework, you have to
understand first the different variables of your study. Although
these were already discussed in the previous module for the
purpose of utilizing it in your framework, an in-depth concept
is a need.
• The independent variable is the “presumed cause” of the
research problem. It is the reason for any “change” or
difference in a dependent variable. It can be purposely
manipulated by the researcher, depending on the focus of the
study. It maybe can cause, influence, or affect the result or
outcome of the study.
• The dependent variable is the “presumed effect” of
the research problem.
• It is usually the problem itself or the element that is
being questioned.
• This variable is altered as a result of experimental
manipulation of the independent variable or variables.
• It is also called as the criterion, effect, response, or
outcome variable which captures the interest of the
researcher and requires analysis, interpretation, and
implication of the findings of the study.
• The moderating variable is an independent variable
which influences the direction and the strength of the
connection between independent and dependent
variables.
• Mediating variable or Intervening variable is an
element that exists between the independent to the
dependent variable. A mediator (or mediating)
variable is an integral part of the cause-effect
relationship and helps us to understand the effects of
the independent variable on the dependent variable.
The control variable is a special type of
independent variable that can influence the
dependent variable. It takes an active role in
quantitative studies. Statistical procedures are
used to control this variable. It is useful to
integrate the control variables into your research
study, but it is not the main focus.
 The Input-Process-Output Model
• The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO) is a conceptual
paradigm which indicates the inputs, required process,
and the output.
• This approach is seated on the premise of acquiring
essential information by converting inputs into outputs
through the required processing steps in obtaining the
result.
• The IPO Model is also referred to as a functional model
that is usually used in action research where an
intervention or solution is necessary to solve the identified
problem.
Common Example of Conceptual
Framework
A.Independent Variable - Dependent
Variable Model (IV-DV)
• Figure 1. The schematic diagram of
the Independent and Dependent
Variables of the Study.

This conceptual framework shows the

independent and dependent variables
of the study. It is presumed that the
more number of hours a student
prepares for the exam, the higher
would be the expected academic
performance
B.The Input – Process - Output Model
(IPO)
Figure 1. The schematic diagram of
the Independent and Dependent
Variables of the Study.

This conceptual framework shows the

independent and dependent variables
of the study. It is presumed that the
more number of hours a student
prepares for the exam, the higher
would be the expected academic
performance.
B.The Input – Process - Output Model
(IPO)
Figure 2. The schematic diagram of
the Input, Process, and Output
Approach of the Study.

This conceptual framework shows the

input, process, and output approach
of the study. The input is the
independent variable, which includes
the socio-demographic and food
safety profile of the respondents. The
process includes the tools and
analyses in gathering the data, while
the output is the outcome based on
the results of the study.
Definition of Terms
Usually, in writing a research paper, the definition of terms
is included. It helps in simplifying some of the technical
terms which are vital in the understanding of the research
project. Although this part of the paper is optional, it is
advantageous for the reader to include this to prevent the
ambiguous meaning of terms that might otherwise be
interpreted in different ways, causing confusion. It can also
enhance comprehension of important key terms.
• Definition of Terms is also called as Operational
Definition of Variables (ODV). The word operational refers
to “how the word/term was used in the study. At the same
time, the variables are the elements essential to the study.
• There are two ways in defining the terms, the conceptual
and operational definition.

• The conceptual definition is the meaning of the term that is

based on how it is defined in the dictionary or encyclopedia.

• Operational definition on the other hand is the meaning of

the term based on how it was used in the study.
 Benefits of Having Definition of Terms

1.It is a useful place to include technical terms in the topic

of the research questions.
2.It can clarify the definition of term, especially if it has a
different meaning. Define the term according to how it was
used in the study.
3.It makes it easier to revisit or check the meaning of a term
instead of trying to locate it through the paper.
4.Helps to ensure that the reader can understand the
technical terminologies and jargons while reading the paper.
 Guidelines on How to Write the
Definition of Terms
1.Write a brief introductory statement. It shortly describes
the content of the definition of terms.
2.List/write the words/terms (which are technical) that would
be included (make sure that the variables and key terms
found in the title are included).
3.The terms should be arranged alphabetically.
4.Indention should be applied to each term.
5.The term should be followed with a period.
6.It can be underlined or not.
7.It can be bold and italic or not.
8.It does not have to be lengthy (direct to the point).
9.Acronym/initials should be defined clearly. Complete name
should be written first, followed by the acronym/initials in open-
close parenthesis, then the definition/meaning.
10.Do not overflow with technical terms (only those relevant
and significant to the study).
11.Keep the definition brief and basic. You will elaborate on it
more in the body of your paper.
Note: Refer also to your institutional format (some institutions
have different formats).
Examples of Writing the
Definition of Terms
 1.Conceptual definition
• Face to face. It is when the people involved are being
close together and looking directly at each other.

• Module. Is any in a series of standardized units used

together, such as an educational unit that covers a single
subject or topic.

• Online. Is controlled by or connected to another computer

or network.
 2.Operational definition
• Face to face. This refers to one of the modalities used in learning
delivery in which the teacher and students should be in the same
place or setting, such as the classroom.

• Module. Teaching modules are guides of the topics and lessons of a

specific subject given to students under the modular method. It is
also an alternative distance learning delivery in which students are
required to read and answer the activities specified in the module.

• Online. It refers to another form of distance learning wherein the

teacher and students will have their lessons using internet
connectivity.
Research Hypothesis
• A Hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship
between two or more variables.
• It is a specific and testable prediction on what you expect to
happen with the variables in your study.
• Usually, it proposes a possible relationship between the
independent variable (what the researcher changes) and
the dependent variable (what the research measures).
• It is also described as an “educated guess” of what
possibly the result would be of your research, which should
be supported on existing theories and knowledge.
 Types of Research Hypothesis
1.Simple Hypothesis
• A simple hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship
between two variables, the independent variable and the
dependent variable.It shows a connection between one
independent variable and a single dependent variable.
Example:
The higher the poverty rate in society (one independent
variable), the higher the number would be the out of school
youth (one dependent variable).
2.Complex hypothesis
• The complex hypothesis reflects the relationship
between the independent variable and the dependent
variable. It expresses a connection between two or more
independent variables and two or more dependent
variables.
Example:
• Eating more vegetables and fresh fruits (independent
variables) leads to boost immune system and enhance
blood circulation and digestion (dependent variables).
 3.Empirical Hypothesis
An empirical hypothesis is also called as the “working
hypothesis.” It is presumed to explain certain facts and
relationships of phenomena. It comes to life when a theory is being
put to the test, using observation and experiment. From the name
itself “working,” it would mean that it can be changed or replace
anytime as soon as it is no longer supported or accepted base on
the observation and experimentation being done. It is going through
some trial and error and perhaps changing around those
independent variables.
Example:
• Plants watered everyday grow faster than plants watered once a
week. (Here, trial and error are leading to a series of findings).
 4.Logical hypothesis
• Logical hypothesis expresses explanation with limited
evidence that can be verified logically. It reflects a
relationship of the variables which anchored based on
logical phenomena. Sometimes, a logical hypothesis can
be turned into an empirical hypothesis in which you have to
test your theories and postulates.
Example:
• Tomato plants bear fruit faster in Earth than in Moon. (Until
we are can test the soil and plant growth in Moon's ground,
the evidence for this claim will be limited, and the
hypothesis will only remain logical).
 5.Statistical hypothesis
• A statistical hypothesis is an analysis of a portion of a
population. It can be verified statistically. The variables
in a statistical hypothesis can be transformed into
quantifiable sub-variable to assess it statistically.
• Example: If your research is about the psychosocial
development of K-3 pupils of the private and public
schools in the city, you would want to examine every
single K-3 pupil in the city. It is not practical. Therefore,
you would conduct your research using a statistical
hypothesis or a sample of the K-3 pupil population.
6.Null hypothesis 7.Alternative hypothesis
The null hypothesis is denoted with An alternative hypothesis is denoted with
the symbol Ho It exists when you the symbol (Ha). It is an alternate
consider that there is no statement expressed to be tested in order
to generate the desired output when the
relationship between the empirical or working hypothesis is not
independent and dependent accepted. In an attempt to disprove a null
variables or that there is an hypothesis, you tend to seek an alternative
insufficient amount of information hypothesis.
to claim a scientific hypothesis.
• Example: My health improves during the
times when I sleep 8 hours a day than
Example: There is no significant sleeping for 4 hours only.
change in my health, whether I
exercise every day or not.
A Hypothesis can be classified as
Directional and Non-directional
Hypothesis
 Directional Hypothesis
• The directional hypothesis relates the relationship between the
variables and can also predict its nature. It illustrates the direct
association of the impact of the independent variable with the
dependent variable, whether it is positively or negatively affected.
The direction of the statement should be clear and justified
according to the findings of the study. Since the hypothesis is
gearing to one specific direction it is investigated through a
one-tailed test.
• Example: Students who are eating nutritious food have higher
grades than students not having a proper meal. (This shows that
there is an effect between the grades and nutritious food and the
direction of effect is clear that the students got a higher grade).
 Non-directional Hypothesis
• A non-directional hypothesis is used when there is no principle
involved. It is a premise that a relationship exists between two
variables. However, the direction of the effect is not specifically
determined. It is a statement that reflects the association of the
independent variable to the dependent variable without predicting the
exact nature of the direction of the relationship.This relationship is
not specified as negative or positive. The hypothesis, in this case,
is investigated through a two-tailed test.
• Example: There is a significant difference in the average grades
between those students that have proper nutritious meal and those
that do not have proper meals. (This depicts that there is an effect
between the average grades and nutritious food, but it does not reflect
the direction of the effect whether it is positively or negatively affected).
Guidelines in Formulating
Hypothesis
1.Before writing your specific hypothesis, spend more time
researching about the topic you are interested in. Focus
on information and previous studies related to your topic.

2.Your independent variable and dependent variable must

be included in your hypothesis.

3.The relationship of your variables must be reflected in

your hypothesis. Will your independent variable affects your
dependent variable?
4.Your hypothesis should be simple and specific as
possible. If your hypothesis is vague and complicated, it
would be difficult to find the answer to your question.

5.Your hypothesis should be concise and comprises clear

and simple language. Make it short and simple for it to be
easily understood and avoid any misconceptions or
misunderstandings.
6.Your hypothesis should be testable without violating
ethical standards. It means that it could be investigated and
measured through a scientific methods such as statistical
analysis and data interpretation.

7.Your hypothesis must be falsifiable. It means that your

hypothesis can be proven wrong through experiments or
empirical data. There are no absolute answers to research
questions, but there is a possibility of validating the
hypotheses to be true beyond a reasonable doubt.
Review of Related
Literature
Review of related literature is a compilation of
studies related to a specific area of research.

• It evaluates, classifies and summarizes all the

relevant previous studies conducted on a specified
topic.

• It is also design to justify your research by

exposing the gaps of the previous studies.
Literature review plays a significant impact in the discussion of the results
and findings.
The discussion of results and findings should focus on your research rather than
those of the other previous researches. Hence, the literature review should be
used only in the discussion as support, evidence, and further explanation for
your study.
These are the three (3) ways of using literature review in the discussion of
your study:
a) providing context as a foundation to develop your ideas,
b) comparing your findings from other previous related studies, and
c) stating what contribution your study has made in the field.
However, there are also three (3) common errors that are
usually made when including literature reviews in the
discussion of the study.
• First, there are wide range of studies being included in
which most of them are not anymore relevant to your
specific topic under investigation.
• Second, stating the related article mentioning the
original article rather than citing the original article itself.
• Lastly, previous work has been cited by the researcher
based only on the abstracts and without even reading the
entire research.
 Purpose of a literature review
1.To discover the connection of your research to the
existing body of knowledge and to the real-life
situations.
2.To identify more theories or concepts as the
foundation of your research study and learn from
them.
3.To determine the relationship of your research with
previous research studies to prevent duplication and
to acknowledge other researchers.
4.To acquire knowledge on the accuracy and
significance of your research questions.
5.To acquaint yourself with the technical terminologies
relevant to your study.
6.To determine possible gaps, conflicts, and open
questions left from other researches which might help
you in formulating and justifying your research ideas.
7.To clarify misconceptions on previous researches
and help refocus, polish, and contribute to the
development of the body of knowledge.
Structure of Literature
Review
1.Introduction
The introduction somehow presents the fundamental idea of
the particular study of the literature review.
2.Main Body
The main body is consists of the organized discussion of
sources. This is where you summarize and synthesize your
literature review and reflect how they related to your study.
3.Conclusions/Recommendations
Conclusion and recommendation emphasized what you have
learned from reviewing the literature and where would your
study leads to.
Types of Literature
Review
 1.Context review

From the name itself, context review is primarily focused on

the content or contextual aspect of research. Usually it is a
type of review in which the researcher relates his or her
study to a larger body of knowledge. It presents the current
research by merging it into a wider framework and
determine its contribution and impact to the specific field of
study.
 2.Historical review

Historical review is a specialized type of literature

review in which the researcher organizes the related
researches according to the period of time it was
conducted.Historical literature review focuses on
probing research in a specified field throughout a
chronological order, which usually starts from the
oldest period of time going to the most recent
studies.
The goal of this type of research is to gain
knowledge on the advancement of
technology and to identify developments on
certain areas, which progress through time.
It can be integrated with a theoretical or
methodological review to illustrate how a
concept, theory, or research method
developed through time.
 3.Integrative review
Integrative review is a common type of literature review in
which the researcher introduces and summarizes the recent
knowledge of the study. It emphasizes the agreements and
disagreements of knowledge among various previous
researches. It also considers reviews, critiques, and
synthesizes representative literature in an integrated
way in order to generate new structure and viewpoint
on the topic. This is the most common form of literature
review in the social sciences.This review is usually merge
with a context review.
 4.Methodological review
Methodological review is a specialized type of literature
review in which the researcher gathers and compares and
contrast other studies to the current research. It
basically summarizes and evaluates the strengths and
gaps in methodological aspects of various studies and
illustrates the effects of different methodologies (research
designs, samples, process) to different outcomes. This
approach also emphasizes ethical issues when necessary,
which you should consider and be conscious of as you go
through your current research.
 5.Self-study review
Self-study review is a literature review in which the
researcher demonstrates his or her understanding of a
specific body of knowledge. It contains existing proof
associated to a clearly stated research questions and uses
standardized methods to determine and evaluate relevant
research. However, it can also produce problems of
prejudice especially when it is used to summarize claims or
statements linking his or her findings to a system of
knowledge. Typically, it is a practice in the educational
program or course requirement.
 6.Theoretical review
Theoretical review is a literature review in which the
researcher introduces several theories or concepts that are
focused on a specific topic. It is particular on the theories
and concepts being highlighted on other researches and
compare them to the current study basing on its framework,
hypothesis, consistency, and justification. The theoretical
literature review aids in establishing the theories already
existed, the relationships of theories among various studies,
the degree of its investigation, and the development of new
hypotheses.
Type of Sources for a
Literature Review
b.Write it up. After formulating the outline, you can now begin
writing your first draft. It is expected that your first draft is still
rough. Your second draft involves tightening up and improving
the flow. There would be several drafts needed for your paper
to be polished.

c.Recap. When you are finish with your paper, have it read by
others who are qualified (expert in the field) for further
improvements. Comprehend and incorporate their corrections
and suggestions for the betterment of your study. It is so much
better if there will be more qualified people that can proof-read
your paper.
In doing a literature review, researchers must be acquainted
with the three (3) basic types of sources which are the
general references, primary and secondary sources.
1. General references are sources in which a researcher
refers to tract down other sources.
2. Primary sources are publications in which a researcher
accounts the findings of his or her investigations. Most
primary sources are found in journal articles.
3. Secondary sources are publications in which a researcher
considers the work of others.
Where can you find
review of related
literature?
1.Books
• Books convey many forms of information. The needed information here is from
• the books containing a collection of research materials and articles. You can find
citation information on them such as the title, author, date, and publisher in the
catalog system.

2.Scholarly Journals
• Scholarly journals may also be referred to as academic journals or peer- reviewed
journals. They are filled with peer-reviewed information of research. Articles are
written by a scholar in the field and the researcher is always identified. List of the
sources of the information like footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography is always
included. Typically, they contain an advance terminologies since the researcher uses
technical language in their field of study. The researcher assumes that the reader has
a background and basic understanding in the field of research.
3.Dissertations
• Dissertation is a final requirement for the degree of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in
which the student or researcher has to complete a work of original research. Some
dissertations are eventually published as books or articles which take into account its
findings and contribution to the academic discipline. Since dissertations are original
research, they can be a source of valuable information.

4.Government Documents
• Most of the government agencies around the world support research undertakings and
publish the findings of the study. Government documents are usually kept at the
government and some school libraries. These documents are rarely found in the
catalog system. Assistance from the librarian is needed for you to be able to locate
these documents since it is considered as specialized publications.
5.Policy Reports and Presented Papers
Policy reports are also a source of information in literature review. Policy papers are not
like the typical research papers. Usually they are discussed to non-academic readers.
They may initiate by identifying an issue or phenomenon that usually claim an answer
and they are focused on being persuasive. Moreover, policy papers are written
proficiently and most of the readers does not want to read a book due to limited time.
Generally, they are supplemented by policy briefs which summarize the papers.
6. Periodicals are findings of the study which can be seen in newspapers, in popular
magazines, on television or radio broadcasts, and in Internet news summaries. They are
the chosen edited summaries done by journalists for the general readers. They are
deficient in numerous vital details that are require to critically evaluate the study.
Therefore, it is essential to supplement these information with other sources.
 Steps in Writing
Literature Review
 1. Find/Search for the Relevant
Literature
There are many ways on how to find relevant research
studies. You may use the following:
a.Search engines to facilitate your information inquiry.
Make sure that they are reliable.
b.University online library
c.Snowballing (describe various situations from a simple
physical phenomenon to complex social, economic, or
psychological dynamics.)
d.Related dissertations (a long-form piece of academic
writing based on original research conducted by you)
 2.Log, Catalogue and Synthesize
After searching and gathering the different relevant studies, you need to
arrange them in order for you to organize them easily.
a.Log the reference information. You may use reference management
software.
b.Catalogue all relevant articles. You may use excel so that it will be
organize and systematic. You can make your own template so that you
will be efficient.
c.Digest and synthesize. Organize the different ideas from different
sources. Arrange them according to the criteria that you made in your
excel template. This would make the connections of the different studies
easier to identify.
 3.Outlining and Writing Up
In-depth planning and enough time should be given
importance during this period since you will need to
concentrate and have focus in writing up your paper.
a.Draw up your outline. You need to make an outline first for
the structuring of your literature review. Thorough reading and
understanding should be done for you to be able to plan and
structure the ideas from your different sources. You can use
the different approaches like chronological, thematic,
theoretical, etc.
 In-text Citation and Referencing Styles
Citation is a reference to a literature being used in
your study. It is a way of giving acknowledgement to
the authors whom you have referred their intellectual
works and creativity as a support or foundation of
your research.

Typically, citations include author’s name, date,

publisher information, journal information and/or
DOI (Digital Objective Identifier) if present.
From the name itself, an in-text citation is a
reference made within the body of text in the
paper. It leads the reader to a source where a
particular information has been taken of. An in-
text citation should be reflected when you refer,
paraphrase, summarize, or quote from another
author. A corresponding reference list must be
provided at the end of the study as references or
bibliography.
• A references typically includes only the sources
that you have mentioned or cited in- text in your
paper, while a bibliography, is generally a list of
all the sources you used to generate your ideas
about your research even if you have not
mentioned or cited them in your paper.
• There are different citing and referencing styles
that are being used depending on the specific
requirements of different filed of disciplines