How do literature reviews in qualitative studies typically differ from those in quantitative studies?

In qualitative studies, literature reviews are often conducted at the beginning of the research process or after data analysis is complete to inform the study design or to contextualize findings. This dual timing allows researchers to gather existing knowledge and theories that can shape their qualitative inquiry, ensuring that their study is grounded in prior research. After data analysis, revisiting the literature allows researchers to interpret their findings in light of established theories and existing studies, which can enhance the depth and implications of their work.

In contrast, quantitative studies typically position the literature review early in the research process to define research questions and hypotheses based on established evidence, leading to a more structured and hypothesis-driven investigation. This foundational role in quantitative work is primarily focused on measuring variables and using statistical analyses, which necessitates a clearly articulated theoretical framework from the outset. Thus, the flexibility in the timing and purpose of literature reviews distinguishes qualitative studies from their quantitative counterparts.