What is the purpose of a literature review?

The purpose of a literature review is to provide a tool for conceptualization and operationalization in research. It allows researchers to gather, analyze, and synthesize existing studies and theoretical frameworks related to their topic of interest, which can help them define concepts clearly and determine how they will measure those concepts in their own research. By reviewing existing literature, researchers can identify gaps in knowledge, refine their research questions, and construct their methodologies based on established theories and findings. This foundational work is crucial for ensuring that the research is grounded in the current state of knowledge and that the researcher has a clear understanding of the constructs they are investigating.

In contrast, summarizing current financial data is more specific to financial analyses and not directly related to building theoretical frameworks. Building a legal case entails presenting evidence and arguments within a legal context, which does not encompass the academic nature of literature reviews. Presenting one's personal opinions does not serve the objective nature of research, which requires a critical and objective engagement with existing literature rather than a subjective viewpoint. Thus, the focus on conceptualization and operationalization underscores the essential academic and methodological role that a literature review plays in research.