Research Methods for Social Workers Practice Test

A literature review serves several key purposes in the research process, and presenting a personal narrative is not one of them. Instead, literature reviews aim to critically analyze and summarize existing research to identify trends, gaps, and inconsistencies in the body of knowledge.

By synthesizing previous research, a literature review helps to create a broader understanding of the current state of knowledge on a topic. It helps researchers recognize areas where further study is needed, thus identifying gaps in prior studies. Additionally, it can involve challenging existing findings by presenting alternative perspectives and questioning the validity of past research. However, the focus remains on the collective body of knowledge rather than an individual's personal experiences or narratives.

Presenting a personal narrative diverges from the academic and objective nature required in literature reviews, which is why it does not align with the primary goals of such a study.