What role does your research question play in shaping your literature review?

1 Guiding Focus

Your research question acts as a beacon, guiding your literature review towards relevance and specificity. It helps you to avoid the common pitfall of gathering an unwieldy amount of information that may be interesting but not particularly pertinent to your research aims. By keeping the research question in mind, you can discern which literature makes a meaningful contribution to understanding your topic and which does not, ensuring that every piece of literature reviewed has a clear link to your research objective.

2 Scope Definition

Your research question defines the scope of your literature review by setting clear parameters for what is to be included. This boundary-setting function is crucial because it prevents the common problem of an overly broad or unfocused review. By establishing what aspects of the topic you are investigating, the research question helps you to stay on track and maintain a sharp focus on literature that directly relates to your area of inquiry.

3 Source Selection

The research question influences the selection of sources for your literature review. It helps you determine which databases and journals to search, what keywords to use, and how to evaluate the relevance of each source. It is not just about finding any sources but about finding the right sources that will provide insight into your specific question. This targeted approach saves time and ensures a more effective and efficient review process.

4 Analytical Framework

Your research question provides an analytical framework for your literature review. It shapes how you interpret the information you gather, guiding your analysis and helping you to identify patterns, themes, and gaps in the existing body of knowledge. This framework is essential for building a coherent narrative in your literature review that not only summarizes the current state of research but also sets the stage for your contribution.

6 Knowledge Gap

Identifying the knowledge gap is a key outcome of your literature review, and it is directly shaped by your research question. By thoroughly understanding the existing literature in relation to your question, you can pinpoint exactly where new research is needed. This gap provides the justification for your study and sets a clear direction for your research efforts, highlighting the unique contribution that your work aims to make.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?