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Research Methods in Political Science

Video Explanations of a Literature Review

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review critically analyzes existing research related to a specific topic. It provides a summary of relevant studies, identifies trends, and highlights gaps in the research. Literature reviews help build a foundation for new research by situating it within the existing academic conversation.
What is the Purpose of a Literature Review?
A literature review serves several key functions in academic writing:
  • Provides Context: It helps situate your research within the broader academic discussion by showing what has already been studied.
  • Identifies Gaps: It highlights areas where research is lacking, helping to justify why your study is needed.
  • Demonstrates Understanding: Writing a literature review shows that you have critically engaged with relevant sources and understand the key debates in your field.
  • Helps Develop a Research Question: By analyzing past research, you can refine your topic and develop a strong research question or hypothesis.
  • Supports Your Argument: A literature review provides evidence from existing studies that support your research claims and methodology.
A literature review is not just a summary of sources—it requires analyzing and synthesizing information to present a clear understanding of the topic.

Types of Literature Reviews

Literature Review Type

Purpose

Example
Narrative (Traditional) Provides a broad overview of the literature on a particular topic without following a strict methodology. It helps identify trends, gaps, and debates. A review discussing historical perspectives on inclusive education in the U.S. without systematic data collection.
Systematic Uses a structured approach to identify, evaluate, and synthesize relevant studies. It often includes explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. A systematic review on the effectiveness of online learning tools in improving student engagement, analyzing only peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015-2023.
Meta-Analysis Combines statistical findings from multiple studies to draw overall conclusions about a research question. A meta-analysis of studies measuring the impact of classroom size on student achievement, using statistical techniques to identify patterns.
Scoping  Maps existing literature on a topic to identify key concepts, research gaps, and methodologies. A scoping review exploring how social-emotional learning has been integrated into higher education curricula worldwide.
Theoretical Examines theories and conceptual models related to a research topic. A theoretical review analyzing different learning theories, such as constructivism and behaviorism, in relation to digital education.
Integrative Synthesizes past research, combining qualitative and quantitative studies to provide new perspectives. An integrative review of studies on teacher burnout, incorporating both survey data and qualitative interviews.
Critical Evaluates and critiques existing literature, questioning methodologies, assumptions, and findings. A critical review of research on standardized testing, highlighting biases and methodological flaws in existing studies.
Rapid Conducts a quick but systematic review of literature by limiting search parameters. A rapid review of emergency remote teaching strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing only on studies published in 2020 and 2021.
Umbrella Synthesizes multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on a broad topic. An umbrella review of meta-analyses on interventions for improving student motivation in higher education.

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