Correct option is A
A literature review is a critical element in research because it provides a clear foundation for the study by summarizing and analyzing existing knowledge in the field.
· Option A is valid because a literature review helps establish the current status of knowledge, making it easier to highlight the significance of the proposed research question. It shows where knowledge gaps exist and how the new research will contribute to the field.
· Option B is also valid, as a literature review places the proposed research in context, defining its scope and boundaries. This helps readers understand the relevance of the study within the broader academic discourse.
Options C and D are not valid reasons:
· Option C (demonstrating the writer's scholarliness) is secondary; the primary purpose of a literature review is to summarize existing research, not to showcase the writer’s academic ability.
· Option D (filling the minimum page requirement) is irrelevant to the purpose of a literature review, as page length does not justify the review’s academic necessity or value.
Information Booster: 1. Foundation for Research: Literature reviews provide a basis for understanding current research and knowledge gaps.
2. Contextualizing Research: Helps to position the research within a broader academic landscape.
3. Identifying Methodologies: Assists in identifying established research methods and theoretical frameworks.
4. Highlighting Gaps: Shows unexplored areas or conflicting findings that new research can address.
5. Defining Terms and Concepts: Clarifies the definitions and conceptual foundations relevant to the research question.
6. Avoiding Duplication: Ensures that the research question is unique and not merely repeating existing studies.