What is typically assessed during a literature review?

The assessment of the relevance of past studies to current research is a crucial component of a literature review. During this process, researchers systematically search for and evaluate existing literature related to their research question. By identifying and analyzing previous studies, researchers can understand the context of their own work, see how their research fits into the existing body of knowledge, and identify gaps that their research might fill.

This involves examining the methodologies, findings, and limitations of prior research to inform one's own study design and framing. By building on existing knowledge, researchers can justify their study's importance, refine their hypotheses, and ultimately contribute more significantly to their field.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the main goal of a literature review. Focusing only on new experimental methods overlooks the importance of context and historical insight. Public opinion, while potentially relevant, is typically outside the scope of a literature review, which centers on scholarly works rather than general perceptions. Lastly, limiting the review to only quantitative data dismisses the richness of qualitative insights that could provide a fuller understanding of the topic. Thus, assessing the relevance of past studies to current research stands as the foundational aim of a thorough literature review.