What is the purpose of a literature review?

• A. To collect data for analysis
• B. To understand what is known and unknown about a topic
• C. To recruit participants
• D. To publish findings quickly

Answer: (B)

Understanding the landscape of existing knowledge is what a literature review does. It surveys, organizes, and synthesizes what researchers have already found on a topic, what remains uncertain, and where gaps or contradictions lie. This helps you see what is well established, what is not yet known, and how different studies relate to one another. By mapping this out, you can identify where your own research can contribute, justify your research questions, and choose appropriate theories and methods. It’s not about collecting new data, recruiting participants, or publishing findings; those are separate steps in research. The literature review lays the foundation by clarifying what is known and unknown about the topic.