Chapter Two: Literature Review

This chapter presents a critical analysis of existing literature relevant to the research topic. It provides a foundation for the research by identifying gaps in knowledge and establishing the context of the study. The literature review is an account of what has already been published by other accredited scholars, authors, and researchers on the topic. It aims to describe, summarize, evaluate, and clarify what others have written. This involves both paraphrasing and analyzing the existing information.

Key Components of the Literature Review

• Analysis and Commentary: It is important to not just list and paraphrase other authors’ findings, but also to add comments and show the trend of things about the topic.
• Systematic Arrangement: The literature should be arranged systematically according to the order of the specific objectives. This means presenting literature from similar studies for each objective, one by one.
• Standard Referencing: A standard referencing method, such as APA should be used.

Importance of the Literature Review

• Identifies weaknesses and gaps in existing research.
• Establishes what is already known about the topic.
• Aids in properly comprehending and defining the research topic/problem.
• Determines if research has already been conducted in the area of interest.
• Helps identify and reconcile controversies.
• Assists in selecting suitable research methodologies.
• Helps avoid duplication of other people’s work.
• Can reveal new data sources.
• Increases confidence in the chosen topic.

Sources for the Literature Review

• Textbooks
• Research journals
• Documents and reports from organizations
• Experienced individuals
• Other relevant sources

Guidelines for the Literature Review

• Use of References: A paragraph should contain at least two references. For example, “A study done in Botswana showed that male adolescents are at higher risk of suboptimal adherence to ART than females (Ndiage, Nyasulu, Nguyen, Lowenthal, et al, 2013). This is in conflict with a similar study done in South Africa, which indicated that being a female is a major risk of poor adherence (Wasti, Simkhada & Teijlingen, 2012)”.
• Comparisons: Include comparisons and similarities of results from different studies.
• Paraphrasing: Primarily use paraphrasing.
• State Results: Where possible, include results (figures) from the study being paraphrased. For example: “A study done in South Africa showed that patients were significantly more likely to be adherent on the efavirenz (taken once a day) than the nevirapine (twice a day) -based regimen. 38.2% (696 of 1,822 patients) maintained 100% adherence versus 30.1% (301 of 999 patients) in the nevirapine-based arm. (Theos, 2007)”.
• Cite Details: Include the name of the study, author, year, setting, target population, and results.

Referencing in the Literature Review

• Use the APA referencing style.
• Cite similar findings as, “Numerous studies have demonstrated that… (Okello, 2013; and khisa, 2012)” or “A number of studies have been done and the factors identified to cause… are; hygiene (Okello, 2011), overcrowding (Serugo, 2000)”.

Words to Use in Literature Review

• Contrary
• However
• Similarly
• Comparing
• In line

Concluding the Literature Review

• Summarize and synthesize the findings from previous research.
• Conclude by establishing the rationale for the current study. For example: “Literature has revealed contradicting causes of … however … and … among others, have been identified as factors likely to influence …”.

In summary, Chapter Two should show a thorough grasp of the existing research and clearly explain how the current research fits into the broader area of study.