2  Literature Review

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature related to the research topic.

2.1 Overview

The literature review examines current research, identifies gaps in knowledge, and establishes the theoretical foundation for this study.

2.2 Theoretical Framework

2.2.1 Key Theories

Discuss the main theoretical perspectives that inform this research:

  • Theory 1: Brief description and relevance
  • Theory 2: Brief description and relevance
  • Theory 3: Brief description and relevance

2.3 Review of Empirical Studies

2.3.1 Early Research (Year Range)

Review foundational studies in the field:

  • Author (Year): Brief summary of findings and methodology
  • Author (Year): Brief summary of findings and methodology

2.3.2 Recent Developments (Year Range)

Examine more recent contributions:

  • Author (Year): Brief summary of findings and methodology (Author, 2024)
  • Author (Year): Brief summary of findings and methodology (Sample, 2023)

2.4 Methodological Considerations

2.4.1 Research Approaches

Discussion of various methodological approaches used in the literature:

  • Quantitative approaches: Common methods and their applications
  • Qualitative approaches: Common methods and their applications
  • Mixed methods: Integration of approaches

2.4.2 Limitations in Existing Research

Identify common limitations across studies:

  • Sample size constraints
  • Methodological limitations
  • Temporal limitations
  • Generalizability concerns

2.5 Gaps in the Literature

2.5.1 Identified Gaps

  1. Gap 1: Description of what is missing in current research
  2. Gap 2: Description of methodological or theoretical gaps
  3. Gap 3: Description of empirical gaps

2.5.2 Justification for Current Study

Explain how this dissertation addresses the identified gaps:

  • How this research fills theoretical gaps
  • Methodological innovations proposed
  • Empirical contributions expected

2.6 Conceptual Model

2.6.1 Framework Development

Based on the literature review, present the conceptual framework that guides this study:

  • Key variables and constructs
  • Hypothesized relationships
  • Theoretical justification

2.7 Chapter Summary

Summarize the key findings from the literature review:

  • Main themes identified
  • Theoretical contributions
  • Empirical findings
  • Implications for current research

The literature review establishes that [brief summary of what literature shows] and identifies [key gaps] that this dissertation will address through [brief description of approach].