What is a common purpose of literature reviews in research?

A common purpose of literature reviews in research is to synthesize existing knowledge. This process involves critically evaluating and integrating various studies and publications related to a particular topic, enabling researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of what is already known in the field. By synthesizing existing knowledge, literature reviews highlight patterns, contradictions, and gaps in research, which can inform future studies and contribute to the advancement of the discipline.

In contrast, limiting the amount of literature reviewed does not serve as a primary objective of a literature review; instead, the aim is to explore relevant literature comprehensively. Determining the number of authors in a field is generally not a focus of literature reviews, as the goal is to assess the quality and relevance of research rather than simply counting contributors. Additionally, focusing solely on recent studies would overlook valuable historical context and foundational research, which is essential for a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Thus, synthesizing existing knowledge remains the central purpose of literature reviews in research.