What is a potential outcome of a poorly conducted literature review?

A poorly conducted literature review can lead to misleading conclusions based on inadequate information. This is because the literature review serves as the foundation for understanding the existing knowledge on a topic, guiding the direction of research. If the review is incomplete, biased, or poorly organized, it may overlook critical studies or fail to synthesize findings appropriately. As a result, researchers may draw conclusions that are not supported by the larger body of evidence, leading to inaccurate interpretations or claims.

In contrast, a well-executed literature review critically evaluates the existing research, identifies gaps in knowledge, and establishes a solid basis for future investigations. It helps to ensure that conclusions are drawn from a comprehensive and reliable set of information, which is essential for advancing understanding in the field. This underscores the importance of methodically reviewing relevant literature to avoid pitfalls that could arise from an incomplete or flawed synthesis of research findings.