Lesson 31: Content of the Review of Related Literature

Writing review of related literature has its own structure. Researcher has to follow the structure for its guided format. Like building a house, a carpenter or the engineer has to design a structure of a house before he has to build it. Writing review of related literature follows the same procedure too. The researcher will make or follow the procedural structure in writing review such as an introduction, body and conclusion.

1. Introduction

The introduction explains the focus and establishes the importance of the subject. It discusses what kind of work has been done on the topic and identifies any controversies within the field or any recent research which has raised questions about earlier assumptions.

The introduction can be seen as the beginning paragraph of Chapter 2, or the beginning paragraph of the body of related literature. Example: If the topic under consideration is SHS students under Pres. Duterte’s declaration of Martial law, the introduction can be like this: “This review will not explore the accounts of SHS students in Visayas and Luzon but only in Mindanao (Martial Law is only implemented in Mindanao - 2017- 2019).

When you write an introduction, you have to bear in mind that it must have a focus and has to emphasize on the subject or topic or problem of the study. It explains what kind of study  or research has been done and its purpose too. It also describes on any controversies encompassing the previous and recent studies incorporating the present problems under investigation. It also provides the background of the study or research. Sometimes an introduction will summarize or evaluate the kind of research the researcher would like to undertake or may suggest how the findings of research will lead to further researches.

Read the examples of the introduction of review of related literature and learn how to write it on your own to avoid plagiarism.

Examples of introduction in Chapter 2

Example 1. An introduction that expresses opposing views

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

      There are opposing views to the impact ICT has on the acquisition of learning by students. On one hand, ICT has been viewed as a tool for promoting quality learning. This is supported by studies from several parts of the globe such as Ghamrawi (2011), Gillespie (2006), Romeo (2006), Murphy (2006), Wongetal(2006),Becta (2003), Yelland (2001), Oliver (2000) and Grimus (2000).

Source: Aparejo, Brandino & Calipusan (2020)

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

      This study is designed to explore the lived experiences of street children in Gingoog City who are enrolled in Open High School Program (OHSP). To give the comprehensive view of this research, review of related literature and studies are presented below (Lloren, 2016).

Source: Lloren (2016)

2. Body of Review of Related Literature

The second content of the review of related literature is the body. The body of related review of literature is oftentimes divided into major headings and subheadings. In most cases to, the body of related literature and studies will summarize, evaluate and assess the field of  knowledge under study in current stage. It gives reports and findings on themes, issues, topics, trends for researchers to confirm or negate. Note that if review is about a preliminary of a research project, then the body will focus on the argument in order to justify the issues, topics or problems under investigation.

Example of Body of Review of Related Literature in Chronological Order

      Several researchers confirmed that more module authors have developed different modules in their specified field. Thorton (1971) reported in detail about a project where  programmed instructions were used in a module on "Cellular Respiration". The modular  format contained instructional objectives, necessary pre-requisites and time required,  diagnostic pre-test, key for the test, required materials for the program, instructions for  the use of the program and self-scored post-test. Collagan (1972) as cited by KK John (2010) constructed certain modules of a programmed course in Astronomy. Wilkerson (1973) developed and validated modules utilizing five stages of which the first four may be identified as the stages of planning and development. These stages were: (i) exploratory reading and research into the area of the instructional system and attitude; (ii) completion of rough draft and collection of revision data from researchers and reviewers; (iii) revision of the modules and (iv) informal field test. Cohan (1973) developed, and field tested a module to instruct student teacher with respect to critical thinking and the teacher behavior which promote critical thinking. Girard & Pinar ( 2011 ) research study advances the understanding of the usability of marketing case study modules in the area of interactive web-based technologies through the assignment of seven interactive case modules in a Principles of Marketing course and in same year Teaching Modules for nanotechnology were developed, implemented and evaluated in the research study of Shabani, et al. ( 2011)

Source: Camocamo, R. (2014 ) ”DEVELOPING LOCALIZED ECONOMICS MULTIMEDIA MODULE

3. Conclusion

The conclusion will give the summary of all the evidences that are being presented from introduction to the body of related literature and studies. Aside from that, the conclusion will also give the precise key findings of other studies of the review in general concepts.

The conclusion for review of related literature is different from the conclusion of the entire research findings of your study. This conclusion here is specifically for the review of related literature only. It consists of one paragraph only summarizing the main points of all the research findings from abstracts, theories and models used in the study or in your research.

Example in Concluding the Review of Related Literature and Studies using Summary

      To sum up, the literature and studies mentioned above give the strong evidence of what the researchers claim on the lived experiences of the respondents being teenage mothers.

Example in Concluding the Review of Related Literature and Studies using Evaluation

      Different views on the lived experiences of teenage mothers have been presented from different findings of various researches and different perspective from prominent social theorists. Each view is supported by experiences of emotional and psychological journey into a knowledge of an early motherhood.

Example in Concluding the Review of Related Literature Using Linkage of Existing Knowledge

      Based from the related literature reviews and studies presented above, teenage pregnancy is nothing new in historical point of view and in worldwide phenomenon. The reviews and studies support the idea that teenage pregnancy is mainly a social and not a medical problem.