REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

General references

researchers, theories

A review of related literature is the process of collecting, selecting, and reading books,
journal articles, reports, abstracts, and other reference materials, including electronic sources (CDROM) and the world wide web (www/http) to get relevant information about the problem under
investigation. From the various sources, information on the following may be collected:
1. Background information about the problem and related concepts
2. Theories that explain the existence of the problem and the possible connection
between certain factors and the problem
3. Data that confirm the existence and seriousness of the problem
4. General and specific findings of studies related to the problem
5. Recommendations for further study given in related studies.
Why Review Literature?
A review of literature is a must in research. Related literature can help a researcher identify
and develop a research problem, formulates research framework, and identify and use appropriate
research methodologies and tools.
1. It helps the researcher identify and define a research problem.
2. It helps justify the need for studying a problem.
3. It helps prevent unnecessary duplication of a study.
4. It can be a source of a theoretical basis for the study.
5. It enables the researcher to learn how to conceptualize a research problem and properly
identify and operationally define study variables.
6. Related studies provide a basis for identifying and using appropriate research design. It
also helps in the formulation and refinement of research instruments.
7. Results of related studies provide lessons for data analysis and interpretation.
Steps in Literature Review
1. Review the precise definition of the research problem. Note the key variables specified
in the study objectives and hypothesis.
2. Formulate search terms pertinent to the problem or question or interest.
3. Using the indexes of general references, search for relevant primary and secondary
sources guided by the search terms
4. List in a note or index card the bibliographical data of the pertinent sources selected,
including the
a. author of the source
b. its title
c. name of publication
d. date of publication (if book, include place and date)
e. page/s of the article

5. Read the selected reading materials, take notes and summarize key points. Notes are
preferably written in note cards for easy retrieval and classification.
PHILIPPINE WOMENS COLLEGE OF DAVAO
University Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City
SY _________
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Worksheet No. ___
Title: Problem Identification and Definition
Name:_____________________________________
Year & Section:______________________________

Score:______________
Date:_______________

Instructions: Identify and define your own research problem by answering the following items.
1. My research problem is
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. The conditions which gave rise to my research questions are (Present evidences from service
statistics or related literature that will confirm the existence, seriousness and distribution of your
problem)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. The ideal situation would have been: (standard, rule, expected, mandated, recommended)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. The possible reasons for the discrepancy between nos. 2 and 3 are:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. The following interventions have been done to address the problem, and the outcomes were: (If
none, say so.)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. The following facts/findings have been reported in related studies about the problem. (Prepare a
summary of findings of at least three recent related studies.)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. The following questions about the problem, however, still remain unanswered:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________