What characteristic is typical of a literature review in quantitative research?

A literature review in quantitative research is characterized by its comprehensive nature, where the goal is to synthesize existing studies to provide a thorough overview of a specific topic or research question. An exhaustive review does not necessarily mean including every single study ever published, but it emphasizes the importance of incorporating a wide range of studies to ensure that the review presents a balanced and representative summary of the current state of research. This allows researchers to identify gaps in knowledge, support their hypotheses, and justify the need for their study.

In the context of quantitative research, the emphasis is on empirical evidence, including statistical analyses and quantifiable data. Therefore, literature reviews in this field often focus on well-conducted studies that contribute reliable evidence to the topic and help establish the foundation for future research. Contrastingly, a literature review that is strictly opinion-based lacks the scientific rigor necessary for quantitative research. Excluding doctoral dissertations would limit the scope of available evidence, as these can contain valuable, original research. Additionally, focusing only on qualitative sources would not align with the objectives of a quantitative review, which seeks to integrate numerical data and measurable outcomes.