Which characteristic typifies the literature review process?

The characteristic that typifies the literature review process is its aim for a comprehensive understanding of existing research. A literature review is designed to synthesize and evaluate the body of work surrounding a specific topic, allowing the researcher to identify gaps in knowledge, trends, and frameworks that have been established in the field. This process involves reviewing a wide range of studies, reviews, and theoretical contributions, thereby building a rich understanding of the context and background for the research question being addressed.

This comprehensive approach is crucial because it enables researchers to inform their own studies with a solid foundation based on previously conducted research. It goes beyond merely summarizing existing literature; it critically assesses and integrates findings, methodologies, and theoretical perspectives. Such depth is vital for developing a nuanced understanding that supports further inquiry and contributes to evidence-based practice in nursing and other fields.

In contrast, aiming for conclusive results is often unrealistic in literature reviews because they serve to explore, synthesize, and understand rather than to definitively prove or disprove hypotheses. Focusing solely on popular authors would limit the breadth of information and insights necessary for a well-rounded understanding, while a brief overview would fail to capture the complex interrelations and developments within the literature. Thus, the comprehensive nature of the literature review process is