REVIEW OF RELATED

LITERATURE AND STUDIES

DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION
IMPORTANCE
ANNOTATION
PROCEDURE OF ANNOTATION

LITO C. CLAVERIA
Master Teacher I
Research
What is a Review of Related Literature and Studies?

A Review of Related Literature and Studies (RRL) is a

comprehensive analysis and summary of previous research
and academic writings on a specific topic or research
question. It involves gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing
information from existing studies, theories, and scholarly
articles to provide context, establish a theoretical framework,
and identify gaps or trends in the research. The RRL is a
critical component of any research project, thesis, or
dissertation, helping to inform the direction and justification
for new research.
Key Elements of a Review of Related Literature and
Studies

1. Existing Theories and Concepts

The RRL highlights key theories, concepts, and

models that have been previously developed on
the topic. It provides a theoretical foundation for
the current research by examining how the
research question fits into the broader academic
discussion.
Key Elements of a Review of Related Literature and
Studies

2. Previous Research Findings

It reviews the outcomes of relevant studies that have

been conducted in the same field. This helps in
understanding what has already been discovered and
what findings have been consistent, inconclusive, or
contradictory.
Key Elements of a Review of Related Literature and
Studies

3. Identification of Gaps
One of the primary goals of the RRL is to identify gaps
or unexplored areas in the literature. By examining
previous studies, researchers can pinpoint areas
where more research is needed, helping them justify
their own study.
Key Elements of a Review of Related Literature and
Studies

4. Research Methods and Approaches

The RRL examines the methodologies used in prior
research, helping researchers determine the most
appropriate methods to use for their own study. It can
also highlight limitations in previous methodologies
that the new study might improve upon.
Key Elements of a Review of Related Literature and
Studies

5. Synthesis of Knowledge
The RRL does not just list previous works but
synthesizes them to provide a cohesive understanding
of the subject. It connects the dots between various
studies, showing how they relate to one another and
to the current research question.
Functions of a Review of Related Literature and Studies

1. Contextualizes the Research: It places the research in the context of

what is already known and frames the current study within the broader
academic landscape.
2. Supports the Researcher's Argument: By reviewing what has been
done, the RRL helps build a case for the necessity of the new study and
its contribution to the field.
3. Provides Direction for Research Design: By learning from previous
studies, researchers can adopt proven methodologies or adjust methods
to avoid past challenges, improving the quality of their own research.
4. Avoids Duplication: It ensures that the researcher is not duplicating
existing studies unnecessarily and instead focuses on advancing the field
by addressing new questions or refining existing knowledge.
Sources in a Review of Related Literature and Studies

1. Books and Academic Journals: Primary sources of

information, where most theoretical frameworks and detailed
research studies are found.
2. Theses and Dissertations: Often provide in-depth studies
on specific topics and can be a valuable resource for
identifying gaps.
3. Reports and Government Documents: Useful for policy-
related research and providing context for certain studies.
4. Online Databases: Sources like Google Scholar, JSTOR, ERIC,
Science Gate, PubMed, etc. provide access to a wide range of
academic papers.
Importance of Review of Related Literature and Studies
The Review of Related Literature and Studies (RRL) is a critical component of
any research project or academic paper. It serves several important functions,
helping to guide, inform, and structure the research process. Here are key
reasons why the review of related literature and studies is essential:
1. Establishes the Theoretical Framework
The RRL helps to ground your study in existing knowledge by identifying
relevant theories, models, and key concepts. This framework provides a lens
through which the current research problem can be analyzed and understood.
It ensures that the research is theoretically sound and based on a well-
established academic foundation.
2. Identifies Gaps in Existing Knowledge
A thorough review of related literature reveals gaps in existing studies—areas
that have not been fully explored or where previous research results are
inconclusive. By identifying these gaps, researchers can position their study to
contribute new insights or fill a void in the existing body of knowledge.
3. Avoids Duplication of Work
The RRL ensures that researchers are not unknowingly repeating studies
that have already been conducted. By reviewing previous works,
researchers can avoid duplicating efforts and instead focus on creating
original contributions or building upon existing findings in a meaningful
way.
4. Provides a Benchmark for Comparison
The review of related literature provides a point of reference for
comparing new findings. It offers a benchmark that allows researchers
to evaluate how their results align with, differ from, or extend previous
studies. This comparison is essential for placing new research in the
context of the broader academic conversation.
5. Informs Research Design and Methodology
A thorough literature review often highlights effective methodologies
used in prior studies, which can inform the design of the current
research. Researchers can adopt, modify, or refine methodologies based
on what has been proven to work in past studies, thus improving the
reliability and validity of their own research.
6. Strengthens the Rationale for the Study
The RRL helps justify the need for the research. By identifying the
limitations or unanswered questions in prior studies, the researcher can
make a compelling case for why their study is necessary. It provides
context for the research problem and explains why it is important to
address.
7. Enhances Understanding of the Research Topic
Through a comprehensive review, researchers gain a deeper
understanding of their chosen topic. This improved comprehension
allows for a more refined research question, sharper focus, and greater
confidence in addressing the problem effectively.
8. Supports the Argumentation and Claims
The literature review provides evidence that supports the arguments
and claims made in the study. By citing previous research, the
researcher strengthens the credibility and authority of their own work.
It shows that the research is built on a foundation of well-established
knowledge.
9. Helps in Data Interpretation
Previous studies can offer insights into how to interpret data. The
literature review provides context for analyzing results, especially when
unexpected outcomes arise. It allows researchers to draw from existing
interpretations and explanations to understand their own findings
better.
10. Facilitates the Discovery of New Research Avenues
The RRL often sparks new ideas and questions. By engaging with the
literature, researchers can uncover emerging trends, new technologies,
or novel theoretical perspectives that can inspire further inquiry. This
contributes to the advancement of the field.
 The Review of Related Literature and Studies is a vital
part of the research process that serves multiple functions,
from establishing a theoretical framework to identifying
gaps, avoiding duplication, and informing research design. It
ensures that the research is original, relevant, and grounded
in existing academic discourse, ultimately enhancing the
overall quality and contribution of the study.

The Review of Related Literature and Studies is

essential for building a solid foundation for research. It
demonstrates an understanding of the topic, provides a
rationale for the study, and identifies areas where new
research can make valuable contributions to the field.
Annotation of Related Literature and Studies
An annotation of related literature and studies is a
brief summary, analysis, or evaluation of scholarly
sources (such as books, journal articles, and reports)
that are relevant to a specific research topic or
question. Annotations provide concise descriptions of
the content, focus, and relevance of each source and
are often used to build an annotated bibliography,
which helps researchers organize and understand the
significance of their sources before writing a more
extensive literature review.
Each annotation typically includes:
Citation: A reference to the source in the appropriate
citation style (APA, MLA, etc.).
Summary: A concise description of the main
arguments, methods, findings, and conclusions of the
source.
Evaluation: A critique or analysis of the source's
strengths and weaknesses, its reliability, and its
contributions to the field.
Relevance: An explanation of how the source relates to
the research topic or how it informs the current study.
 Structure of an Annotation
Citation
The full reference of the source in a specific citation format (APA 7th).
Summary
This section describes the key points of the source, including:
The main argument or thesis of the study.
The methodology used by the author(s).
The major findings or conclusions of the research.
Any significant aspects of the study relevant to your topic.
Evaluation or Critique
In this part, the researcher evaluates the quality, credibility, and contribution of the source:
Is the source reliable and authoritative?
Are the arguments well-supported with evidence?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the source?
Relevance to Research
Finally, the researcher explains how the source relates to their own study:
How does this source help in understanding the research topic?
Does it fill a gap or provide a different perspective?
Will the study support or counter your hypothesis?
 Example of an Annotated Source
Citation:
Smith, J. (2020). The Effects of Climate Change on Plant Photosynthesis. Journal of
Environmental Science, 45(2), 123-145.
Summary:
This study investigates how rising global temperatures impact photosynthesis in several species
of plants. Smith conducted controlled experiments in a laboratory setting to measure the
effects of increased CO2 levels and temperature on plant growth and glucose production. The
study concluded that while some plants exhibited increased photosynthesis under elevated
CO2, most experienced diminished efficiency due to higher temperatures.
Evaluation:
Smith’s work is based on empirical data gathered through rigorous experiments, which
strengthens the reliability of her findings. However, the study only considers short-term effects
in a controlled environment, and long-term field studies are necessary to understand real-world
implications. The research also does not account for the impact of other environmental
stressors like drought.
Relevance:
This source is highly relevant to my research on the impact of climate change on agricultural
productivity. Smith’s findings will support my argument about the potential negative effects of
rising temperatures on crop yields, and I plan to reference this study when discussing how
specific crops may respond to environmental changes.
Importance of Annotating Related Literature and Studies
1. Organizes Sources: Annotations help organize and keep track of
numerous sources while highlighting the most relevant ones for a study.
2. Saves Time: Summarizing and critiquing sources early in the research
process saves time when drafting the actual literature review or
research paper.
3. Clarifies Understanding: Writing annotations forces the researcher to
fully understand and analyze each source, ensuring that it contributes
meaningfully to their research.
4. Identifies Gaps: By evaluating various sources, the researcher can
more easily identify gaps in the literature or areas where further
research is needed.
An annotation of related literature and studies is a
brief but informative summary and critique of each
source relevant to a particular research topic. It helps
researchers better organize, understand, and evaluate
their sources, providing a foundation for a thorough
review of related literature.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for annotating related
literature and studies:
1. Select Relevant Sources
Identify your research topic or question. Understand the
main focus of your research to help guide the search for
literature.
Search for relevant literature. Use academic databases (e.g.,
Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed) to find books, articles, and
studies related to your topic.
Choose credible and high-quality sources. Prioritize peer-
reviewed journals, books by experts, and reputable reports.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for annotating related literature and studies:
2. Read and Analyze Each Source
Skim the source. Before diving deep, skim the abstract, introduction, and
conclusion to get an overall understanding of the content.
Read thoroughly. Focus on key sections such as the methodology, findings, and
discussions. Take notes as you go.
Highlight key points. Identify the main arguments, evidence, and conclusions,
focusing on aspects that relate to your research.
3. Summarize the Source
Write a concise summary of the source's main points. Include:
Main argument or thesis of the study.
Methodology used (e.g., experiments, surveys).
Findings or conclusions drawn by the author(s).
Be objective in summarizing the content, without adding your own opinions at
this stage.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for annotating related literature and studies:
4. Evaluate the Source
Critically assess the quality and credibility of the study. Consider the following:
Is the source reliable and reputable?
Are the arguments supported by strong evidence?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the study?
Identify any limitations (e.g., sample size, methodology) and gaps in the
research.
5. Explain the Relevance to Your Research
Relate the source to your study. Answer questions like:
How does this source help you understand your research topic better?
Does the source support, challenge, or extend your research?
Will you use it to build your argument, provide evidence, or highlight
gaps?
Be specific about why this source is important to your study.
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for annotating related literature and
studies:
6. Write the Annotation
Combine the summary, evaluation, and relevance into a concise
annotation (usually 150-200 words). Follow this structure:
Citation: Format the citation according to your required style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Summary: Provide a brief overview of the main points (2-3 sentences).
Evaluation: Critically assess the quality of the source (2-3 sentences).
Relevance: Explain how the source will be used in your research (1-2 sentences).
7. Organize Your Annotations
Group similar sources together based on themes or subtopics. This
helps create a structured overview of the literature.
Ensure proper citation. Consistently follow the required citation style
(APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) for all annotations.
 Here’s a step-by-step procedure for annotating related literature and
studies:
8. Revise and Refine
Proofread your annotations to ensure clarity, brevity, and accuracy.
Ensure that each annotation flows well and that your analysis is
insightful and relevant.
 Example of an Annotated Source:
Citation:
Johnson, L. (2018). The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity.
Journal of Environmental Studies, 52(3), 125-137.
Summary:
Johnson’s study investigates the effects of changing climate patterns on crop
production in North America. The author analyzes data from multiple agricultural
reports and concludes that increased temperatures and altered precipitation
patterns are causing reduced yields in major crops such as corn and wheat.
Evaluation:
The study provides a comprehensive data analysis and is based on well-documented
reports, making the conclusions reliable. However, it focuses mainly on North
America, which may limit its global applicability. Further research is needed to
explore the impact of climate change on agriculture in other regions.
Relevance:
This source is relevant to my research on global food security, as it highlights how
climate change can disrupt agricultural systems. I will use this study to support my
discussion of the environmental challenges facing modern agriculture.
 By following this procedure, you will
create organized, insightful, and useful
annotations that will aid your
understanding of the literature and
support the development of your research
project.
PERFORMANCE TASK

Make at least 6 journal canvass/annotated literature and studies about your SIP