Chapter 6

The Literature Review

THE LITERATURE
REVIEW

Define Literature Review

Importance, Functions and Purpose of Related Literature and Studies
Guidelines in citing Related Literature and Studies
Easy steps in Writing Related Literature and Studies

6.1 The Literature Review

The statement of the research problem and the literature review are mutually supportive. The
statement of the research problem clearly defines the subject area to be treated. The literature
review demonstrates that the research problem has received prior attention, and shows that further
research is needed to resolve the problem. James B. Fisher states, To be EFFECTIVE, a literature
review must be CLEAR, COHERENT, and PERSUASIVE analysis of the current state of the
literature. These materials are classified as
1. Legal Bases. This is to determine the relevance of the study to the governments thrust. The
major sources of related legal bases are laws and department directives such as, circulars,
orders, memoranda, etc. These laws and department directives serve as legal basis for the
paradigm of the study. In presenting the related legal bases, the investigator has to arrange the
chronologically from recent to past and the relevance of each legal basis is explained. No
explanation of the legal basis relevant to the present study is unscientific.
Example:
Republic Act No. 7164 known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 1991 defines professional nursing as
the performance for a fee, salary, or other reward or compensation toward the promotion of health,
and alleviation of suffering through utilization of nursing process. (LEGAL BASIS).
The foregoing professional nursing definition explicitly expressed that nurses practice their profession
for a fee or salary commensurate with their work in order to satisfy their needs and wants to cope with
the fast changing world. In other words, the performance of a particular job affects nurses values
especially if nurses meet the problems related to their job in the hospital, hence, promotion of health
services cannot be attained. (EXPLANATION OF THE LEGAL BASIS)
2. Related Literature. It is a section in a research paper, thesis dissertation, and research project in
which the sources are taken from books, journals, magazines, novels, poetry, etc that contains
facts, laws, theories and other documented observations. This is in a chronological order from
recent to past when presented. It is unscientific if related literature are presented and of no
explanation at the relevance to the present study.

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The Literature Review
Example:
Murrays (1998) article on nurse executives leadership roles stated that chief nursing officers (CNO)
leave their position due to lack of power conflict with chief executive officer (CEO), and inadequate
nursing personnel. [Related literature by Bruce P. Murray. 1998. Nurse Executives Leadership
Roles. Journal of Nursing Administration. 28(6):48. (June 1998)].
The article of Murray has bearing to the present study because staff nurses performance would be
affected if the middle managers or chief nursing officers have conflict with the chief executive officer
or top manager and with problems met related to their job, for instance, inadequate nursing
personnel. (EXPLANATION OF THE RELATED LITERATURE)

3. Related Studies refers to theses, dissertation and research studied substantially characterized
by the presence of the following part: research problems, hypotheses, objectives, related
literature, methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations and bibliography. (Local if
printed in the Philippines and Foreign if in the foreign land). Published and unpublished research
studies are sources of materials that included in this section. This studies are segregated into
foreign and local studies. This is also arranged chronological order from recent to past. Each
related study has explanation on the relevance of the present study, otherwise, it is unscientific.

Example of LOCAL STUDY:

In 1999, Sultan in her study on perceived sources of stress among staff nurses at a tertiary hospital in
Quezon City, found out that lack of administrative support and no rewards were perceived by staff
nurses as the most stressing (Related local study by Vilma Sultan. 1999. Perceived Sources
of Stress Among Staff Nurses at Tertiary Hospital in Quezon City. MA Thesis in Nursing.
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines.)
Sultans study has bearing to the present study because lack of administrative support, no rewards,
and no opportunities for career development are among the job-related problems met by staff nurses
in private and government hospitals in Iloilo City which block their way to perform effectively and
efficiently. (EXPLANATION OF THE RELATED STUDY)

6.2 Importance, Purpose and Functions of Related Literature and Studies

A survey of review and related literature and studies is very important because it serves as the
foundation of the proposed study. Related literature and studies serve as a guide for the researcher in
pursuing his research venture. Reviewed literature and studies help or guide the researcher in the
following ways:
1. They help or guide the researcher in searching for or selecting a better
research problem or topic. By reviewing related materials, a replication of a similar problem
may be found better than the problem already chosen. Replication is the study of research
problem already conducted but in another place.
2. They help the investigator understand his topic for research better . Reviewing
related literature and studies may clarify vague points about his problem

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3. They ensure that there will be no duplication of other studies . There is duplication
if an investigation already made is conducted again in the same locale using the same
respondents. This is avoided if a survey of related literature and studies be made first.
4. They help and guide the researcher in locating more sources of related
information. This is because the bibliography of a study already conducted indicate reference
about similar studies.
5. They
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

help and guide the researcher in making his research designs especially in
The formulation of specific questions to be researched on.
The formulation of assumptions and hypothesis if there is any
The formulation of conceptual framework
The selection and application to the methods of research
The selection and application of sampling techniques
The selection and or preparation and validation of research instruments for gathering
data;
The selection and application of statistical procedures
The analysis, organization, presentation and interpretation of data
The making of the summary of implications for the study
The formulation of the summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations

6. They help and guide the researcher in making comparisons between findings
with the findings of other researchers on similar studies with the end view of
formulating generalizations or principles which are the contributions of the study to the fund of
knowledge.
6.3

Guidelines in Citing related literature and studies

A. Characteristics of the materials cited

1. The materials must be as recent as possible. This is important because of the rapid social.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Political, scientific, and technological changes. Discoveries in historical and archaeological

research have also change some historical facts. Researchers in education an psychology are
also making great strides.
Materials must be as objective and unbiased as possible. Some materials are extremely one
sided, either politically or religiously biased. These should be avoided
Materials must be relevant to the study. Only materials that have some similarity to or being on
the problem researched on, should be cited.
Surveyed materials must have been based upon genuinely original and true facts or data
to make them valid and reliable. There are cases where fictitious data are supplied just to
complete a research report.
Materials must not be too few but not too many. They must be sufficient enough o give the
researcher insights into his problem or to indicate the nature of the present investigation. The
number may also depend upon the availability of related materials. Ordinarily fifteen to twenty-five
may do for a masters thesis and from twenty and above for a doctoral dissertation, Depending
upon their availability and depth and length of discussion. For undergraduate theses about ten
may do.

B. Sources of Related Literature and Studies: The sources of related literature and studies may
include the following.
1. Books, encyclopedias, almanacs and other similar references
2. Articles published in professional journals, magazines, periodicals, newspapers and other
publications.

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Chapter 6
The Literature Review
3.
4.
5.
6.

Manuscripts, monographs, memoirs, speeches, letters and diaries.

Unpublished theses and dissertations.
The Constitution and laws and statutes of the land.
Bulletins, circulars and other emanating from government offices and departments, especially
from the office of the president of the Philippines and DepEd.
7. Records of schools, public and private, especially reports and other activities.
8. Reports from seminars, educational or otherwise.
9. Official reports of all kinds, educational, social, economic, scientific, technological, political, etc.
from the government and other entities.
C. Where to Locate the sources of Related Literature and Studies
1. Libraries, either government, school or private libraries
2. Government and private offices
3. National library
4. The library of DepEd
The last two are especially rich depositories of related materials particularly unpublished masters
theses and doctoral dissertations.
D. Ways of Citing Related Literature and Studies: The following are the ways of citing related
literature and studies.
1. By author or writer. In this method the ideas, facts or principles, although they have the same
meaning, are explained or discussed separately and cited in the footnote with their respective
authors or writers
Examples: According to Enriquez, praise helps much in learning etc.. 1
Maglaque found out that praise is an important factor in learning etc 2
2. By topic. In this case, if different authors or writers have the same opinion about the same topic,
the topics is discussed ans cited under the names of the authors or writers. This is a summary of
their opinions. This is to avoid separate and long discussions of the same topic.
Example: It has been found out that praise is an important aid in the learning of children
3. Chronological. Related materials may also be cited chronologically, that is, according to the year
they were written. Materials which were written earlier should be cited first before those which
were written later. This can be done especially when citation is by author or writer. If citation is by
topic, chronological citation can be done in the footnote.
E. What to Cite
It should be emphasized that only the major findings, ideas, generalizations, principles, or
conclusions in related materials relevant to the problem under investigation should be discussed in this
chapter. Generally, such findings, ideas, generalizations, principles, or conclusions are summarized,
paraphrased or synthesized.
F. Quoting a Material
A material may be quoted if the idea conveyed is so perfectly stated or it is controversial and it is
too long. It is written single spaced with wider margins at the left and right side of the paper but without
any quotation marks.
Example: Suppose the following is a quotation: Said Enriquez
1

Pedro Enriquez, The Dynamics of Teaching and Learning. Manila: Canlaon Publishing Company, Inc.,1981, P102
Juan Maglaque, Factors affecting Childrens Learning in Pag-asa District, (Unpublished Masters Thesis, San
Gregorio College, San Gregorio City, 1984)
2

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Chapter 6
The Literature Review
Praise is an important factor in childrens learning. It encourages them to study their lessons
harder. Praise, however, should be given very appropriately.
G. Justification of the Study
It should be made clear that there is no duplication of other studies. The present inquiry may only
be a replication of another study. It should be stressed also that inspite of similar studies, the present
study is still necessary to find out if the findings of studies in other places are also true in the local of the
present study. There may also be a need to continue with the present investigation to affirm or negate the
findings of other inquiries abou the same research problem or topic so that generalizations or principles
may be formulated. These generalizations and principles would be the contributions of the present
investigation together with other studies to fund of knowledge. This is one of the more important purposes
of research; the contribution that it can give to the fund of knowledge.

6.4

Easy Steps in Writing Related Literature and Studies

1. Researcher should always be guide by the topic under the investigation. It is suggested that the
student should be able to identify the variables of the study, the problems, the scope and
delimitation and methodology
2. Write down in a separate sheet or in index card the titles of the theses, dissertations and other
materials researched. Write down the call number, the title, author, date od publication, the school
(for theses/dissertations) these will help you find the materials with ease.
3. In the actual searching of materials, it is advisable that for every topic researched one index card
or paper be used. This is to avoid the possibility of placing different topics in one card. After the
information has been written, always write in the card the source of the information. Correct
bibliographic entries should be observed. Label the card with Related Literature or Related
Studies.
4. After a reasonable search has been made, the index card should be arranged by topic. Separate
the card for related literature and the related studies
5. Organize the related literature and related studies reviewed. Group together similar topics or
related studies.
6. Write a summative description of the research literature and studies undertaken noting among
others, the problems/objectives of the study, the scope, hypotheses and methodology.
7. Compare the related studied reviewed with the current study. Always take note of the similarities
and differences between the previous studies reviewed and the present investigation.

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Chapter 6
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
NAME: __________________________________________ SCORE: ___________________
YEAR & SECTION: _________________________________ DATE: _____________________

Instructions: State your research question or hypothesis of your study. Consult the
appropriate sources and or references. List three possible terms related to your problem
study. After which do computer search to locate three studies and literature. Attach each
of your note cards ( one per journal article),
1. The research problem or hypothesis in my study is
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. The general reference(s) I consulted with my study was (were):
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. The database I use in my research was:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

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4. The descriptors (search terms) I use were (list all the descriptors and
combinations in the order of my research)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
5.The results of my search using these descriptors were:
Search
No.

Descriptors

Source/
Reference(s)

Result

6. Attached is/are the printout of my search

7. Attached three abstracts of a research study which is/are related to your
descriptors.
8. List the title of the studies you read and research ( attached your note cards)
1._____________________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________________

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