Discuss the importance of conducting a thorough literature review as it relates to the research process in two paragraphs. Use a reference from scholarly literature : Peer-reviewed Nursing journal not older than 5 years or your textbook: Polit, D. E. & Beck, C. T. (2018). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice(9th. ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. to support your primary response.
A thorough literature review is an essential step in the research process as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge and evidence in a particular field. By reviewing the relevant literature, researchers can identify the current state of knowledge, gaps in the literature, and areas for further investigation. This process helps to ensure that research is conducted in an informed and contextualized manner.
One of the key reasons for conducting a literature review is to build upon the existing knowledge base. As Polit and Beck (2018) suggest, a literature review allows researchers to explore the work that has already been done on the topic of interest. By examining previous studies, researchers can identify the theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and findings that are relevant to their own research question. This process helps researchers to situate their study within the broader academic discourse and to build upon the work of others in the field.
Moreover, a thorough literature review is crucial for identifying gaps and unanswered questions in the existing literature. Through this process, researchers can identify areas where further investigation is needed. By identifying these gaps, researchers can ensure that their study addresses a significant and novel research question. For instance, Polit and Beck (2018) highlight the importance of identifying research gaps to contribute to the development of evidence-based practice. A comprehensive literature review ensures that researchers are not duplicating existing work and that their study has the potential to advance the field.
In summary, a thorough literature review is of utmost importance in the research process. It allows researchers to understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in the literature, and build upon existing work. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, researchers can situate their study within the broader academic discourse, ensure the relevance of their research question, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field (Polit & Beck, 2018).