Importance of related literature in research

Alice C. Garcia

NO one can underestimate the importance for a researcher to have a comprehensive and relevant body of supporting materials to his research work.

The related literature and studies are needed to provide insight into the theoretical/ conceptual background of the study. It also provides the rationale of the framework of the study. The theoretical framework for instance, is obtained or conceived through the literature search.

Reviewing related materials helps the researcher to gather valuable data and ideas that can guide him in his own research. It prepares the reader to better assimilate and understand the concepts of the study and gives him a bird’s eye view of the quality of readings the researcher has done in support of his study.

Reviewing the related literature requires the researcher to make in-depth readings of both the research and conceptual literature.

Research literature pertains to published or unpublished reports of actual research studies done previously and usually referred to as “studies”. Theses and dissertations are examples of studies.

Conceptual literature, on the other hand, refers to articles, or books written by authorities giving their opinions, experiences, theories, or ideas about a given topic/ subject. In most research studies, conceptual literature is referred to s “literature”.

Related literature may be classified as local, if printed in the Philippines and foreign, if printed outside the country. On the other hand, related studies are classified as either local, if the study was done in the Philippines, and or foreign, if the study was done in other countries.

Meanwhile, related studies may be classified as Local, if the inquiry was conducted in the Philippines; and Foreign, if conducted in foreign lands

A survey or review of related literature and studies is very important because such reviewed literature and studies serve as a foundation of the proposed study.

Related literature and studies guide the researcher in pursuing his research venture. They help or guide the researcher in searching for or selecting a better research problem or topic. By reviewing related materials, a replication of a similar problem may be found better than the problem already chosen. Replication is the study of research problem already conducted but in another place.

They also help the investigator understand his topic for research better. Reviewing related literature and studies may clarify vague points about his pr obl em.

They ensure that there will be no duplication of other studies. There is duplication if an investigation already made is conducted again in the same locale using practically the same respondents. This is avoided if a survey of related literature and studies be made first.

They help and guide the researcher in locating more sources of related information. This is because the bibliography of a study already conducted indicates references about similar studies.

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The author is Teacher I at Justino Sevilla High School, Mangga Cacutud Arayat Pampanga. She is currently taking up 21 Units for MAED General

Science at the Angeles University Foundation.