Literature Review in Scientific Research: An Overview

Abstract

The quality and success of academic work are closely linked to the literature review process. A literature review is essential to any scientific research study, which entails an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the existing literature and studies related to the research topic. The literature review process thoroughly searches various databases and sources to ensure the review is comprehensive and up to date. The primary objective of this article is to provide an overview of the literature review process in scientific research, its importance in research methodology, and its different types. It also aims to discuss the purpose of conducting a literature review in research, the methods involved, and the significance of having access to relevant literature. Additionally, it provides guidelines for early career researchers on how to conduct a comprehensive literature search. A literature search was conducted in major databases and supplemented by browsing journals and citations with relevant keywords. There are four main types of literature reviews: traditional or narrative, systematic, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis. By conducting a literature review, researchers gain a deep understanding of the research landscape, identify potential biases and limitations, and contribute to developing knowledge in their field of study. Executing a literature search is fruitless unless researchers possess fundamental knowledge about it. Hence, collecting literature for the literature review is an indispensable step that requires a comprehensive search of various databases and sources, such as academic journals, books, conference proceedings, and other relevant publications. The present article provides vital information and literature search guidelines for early career researchers