What is the primary purpose of a literature review in research?

The primary purpose of a literature review in research is to summarize existing research on a topic and identify gaps in knowledge. A literature review provides an overview of what has already been studied and published in a specific area, effectively synthesizing previous findings. This summary helps researchers understand the current state of knowledge and recognize areas that require further exploration, thus highlighting gaps that their own research could address.

By compiling and analyzing existing studies, the literature review situates new research within the broader academic dialogue, ensuring that it builds on prior work rather than duplicating efforts. Therefore, the correct choice encompasses both the summarization of current research and the identification of knowledge gaps, which are crucial for guiding future studies and advancing the field.