Conceptualizing the Pathways of Literature Review in Research

Abstract

Since research work is an adventurous expedition, one requires clear pathways, without which the researcher can be lost in the foggy way. To develop a good roadmap is, thus, a crucial task on the part of the researcher. Based on this assumption, this study aimed to conceptualize the notions, functions, and components of literature review that subsumes developing a conceptual framework, an outline of a research work. To achieve this objective, I adopted descriptive-interpretive design of research. Basing my study on theoretical and conceptual insights from different theoreticians’ and researchers' works, I analyzed and interpreted the information obtained from the templates used by the previous researchers. I have inferred that literature review, which is indispensable in research process, functions like a beacon light for safe harbouring the research work. I have also inferred, like many have done, that the basic components of literature review consist of introduction, review of theoretical and empirical literature, implication of the review, and theoretical and/or conceptual framework/s. Its implication is that any research work needs to pave its pathways distinctly for its successful execution.