Introduction
A literature review is a critical component of any research study. It provides a comprehensive overview of previous research on a specific topic and helps to establish the foundation for new investigations. To construct an effective review of literature (ROL), researchers must rely on a variety of sources. This article explores the major sources of literature used in ROL and explains how books, journals, dissertations, and grey literature contribute to a well-rounded review.
Major Sources of Literature in ROL
The key sources for reviewing existing knowledge include:
- Books
- Journals
- Dissertations and Theses
- Grey Literature
1. Books
Books are a primary source of theoretical frameworks and comprehensive background on a topic. They are particularly useful in the early stages of research for understanding key concepts, history, and evolution of ideas.
Contribution to ROL:
- Provide foundational knowledge
- Offer in-depth analysis and explanation of topics
- Include references to other primary sources
2. Journals
Academic and peer-reviewed journals are essential for accessing the latest research findings. Articles in journals are typically focused on specific research problems, methodologies, and results.
Contribution to ROL:
- Offer recent and credible research findings
- Provide empirical data, analysis, and scholarly discussion
- Enable comparison with current study
Examples include journals like Journal of Business Research, Harvard Business Review, etc.
3. Dissertations and Theses
Dissertations and theses present original research conducted by graduate students. They are valuable for understanding emerging trends and exploring new areas that are yet to be published in journals.
Contribution to ROL:
- Reveal detailed methodology and extensive literature review
- Showcase recent research topics
- May include unique perspectives or data sets
Although not always peer-reviewed, they are valuable for identifying research gaps.
4. Grey Literature
Grey literature includes non-commercially published materials such as government reports, policy documents, white papers, conference proceedings, and working papers.
Contribution to ROL:
- Offers data from reputable organizations and experts
- Includes practical insights, case studies, and policy perspectives
- Useful in areas where peer-reviewed studies are limited
Examples: Reports by World Bank, WHO, corporate whitepapers, etc.
Conclusion
An effective review of literature must incorporate multiple sources to ensure depth, credibility, and comprehensiveness. Books provide foundational knowledge, journals deliver current research, dissertations offer in-depth exploration, and grey literature adds practical relevance. By leveraging all these sources, researchers can construct a strong and well-informed background for their study.