Research Literature Reviews: Why?

A Literature review is the FIRST STEP in conducting STEM research.  A properly conducted review "helps the researcher gain familiarity with the existing work in the chosen area of research and subsequently allows for the expansion of knowledge based on this background" (p 311).

Literature reviews are "a prerequisite to get familiarized with the known content of the research topic of interest to:

• build new hypotheses;
• design new experiments; and,
• interpret new findings in the context of known facts" (p 311).

Proficiency in conducting and dissecting literature reviews leads to the following student learning outcomes (p 312):

1. Broaden their perspectives by learning the evolution of the research topic and identifying unanswered questions. 
2. Connect to the core scientific process by making evidence-based claims followed up through a literature review.
3. Gain experiential learning that research is collaborative in nature across disciplinary boundaries.
4. Develop skills in retrieving information through effective reading and analysis.
5. Hone skills in effective writing and communication to share knowledge.

Hati, S., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2024). Writing a literature review as a class project in an upper‐level undergraduate biochemistry course. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 52(3), 311-316.

According to Fink (2020),  literature reviews are conducted for the following reasons:

1. Write proposals/grants for funding
2. Write proposals for academic degrees
3. Describe & explain current knowledge to guide professional practice
4. Identify effective research & development methods
5. Identify experts to help interpret existing literature & identify unpublished sources of information
6. Identify funding sources & works in progress
7. Satisfy personal curiosity (p 8-12).