What is revealed during a literature review?

During a literature review, one of the primary focuses is to identify and evaluate existing studies that can be replicated. This process involves examining previous research to determine which methodologies and findings could be reproduced in future studies. Replicability is a cornerstone of scientific research, as it validates the reliability and generalizability of findings across different contexts and samples. By highlighting studies that have established methods and robust results, the literature review helps researchers build upon existing knowledge and ensures that new research can contribute to broader scientific discussions.

In doing so, the literature review clarifies the foundations upon which future research can stand, providing a framework for how similar studies can be conducted and verified. This fosters a cumulative understanding of the subject matter as researchers can trust that findings built upon replicated studies are more likely to be accurate and reliable.

While new theories, historical data, and personal opinions may be discussed within a literature review, they serve different purposes. New theories may emerge from the synthesis of existing literature, but the primary revelation during the literature review is the identification of studies that exhibit potential for replication.