Chapter II-
REVIEW OF
RELATED
LITERATURE
Review of Related Literature
is an essential component of any research study.
It provides a comprehensive overview of existing studies,
theories, and findings relevant to the research topic.
A well-structured RRL strengthens the foundation of a study
by identifying gaps, supporting claims, and setting the
context for new research.
A Guide on how to Create an
effective RRL
1. Identify the Research Topic and Scope
Before gathering literature, clearly define your research topic and
objectives. This will help you determine the scope of your review and
ensure that the materials you collect are relevant to your study.
A Guide on how to create an effective RRL
2. Search for Relevant Literature
Look for academic sources such as:
• Journal articles
• Books
• Thesis and dissertations
• Conference papers
• Government reports
• Credible online sources
Use databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR to find reliable and peer-
reviewed sources.
A Guide on how to create an
effective RRL
3. Evaluate and Select Sources
Not all sources are equally valuable. Assess each material for credibility,
relevance, and reliability. Prioritize recent studies (usually within the last
five to ten years) unless older sources are fundamental to your research.
A Guide on how to create an
effective RRL
4. Organize Literature by Themes or Concepts
Instead of summarizing studies one by one, group them based on common themes,
concepts, or trends. This approach makes it easier to compare and contrast findings and
identify gaps in the literature.
A Guide on how to create an
effective RRL
5. Synthesize and Analyze Information
Go beyond summarizing—analyze and synthesize the information by discussing
how different studies relate to one another. Highlight agreements, contradictions,
and areas that require further research.
A Guide on how to create an
effective RRL
6. Cite Sources Properly
Follow the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) to avoid
plagiarism. Use citation management tools like Mendeley, Zotero, or
EndNote to keep track of your references.
A Guide on how to create an
effective RRL
7. Write the RRL with a Logical Flow
Structure your RRL with an introduction, body, and conclusion:
•Introduction: Provide an overview of the topic and explain the purpose of
the literature review.
•Body: Present literature according to themes and critically discuss findings.
•Conclusion: Summarize key insights, identify research gaps, and explain
how your study will contribute to the field.
Example of a Review of Related Literature
Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance
Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of students' daily lives, influencing their study
habits and academic performance. This literature review aims to explore existing research on the relationship
between social media usage and students' academic outcomes.
Body:
• Positive Effects of Social Media on Learning: Studies by Smith & Johnson (2020) and Lee et al.
(2019) suggest that social media platforms can enhance collaborative learning and information sharing.
• Negative Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance: Research by Williams (2021)
found that excessive social media use is linked to lower grades and reduced study time.
• Moderating Factors: Various factors, such as self-regulation and time management, influence whether
social media usage has a positive or negative impact (Garcia & Cruz, 2018).
Conclusion: The reviewed literature highlights both benefits and drawbacks of social
media on academic performance. Future research should focus on strategies to balance
social media use for educational purposes.
Final Thoughts
A well-written RRL strengthens your research by demonstrating
your understanding of the subject and justifying your study’s
significance. By following these steps, you can craft a thorough and
compelling RRL that lays a strong foundation for your research
project.
