A review of related literature is an integral part of any research study as it helps to contextualize the research problem and provide a broad perspective on the existing knowledge on the topic. It also helps to identify gaps in the literature and determine the direction of the research study. In this essay, we will discuss the format of a review of related literature and provide a sample to illustrate how it can be structured.
The format of a review of related literature typically includes the following sections:
Introduction: This section introduces the research topic and provides the context for the review of literature. It should also outline the research questions or objectives of the study.
Objectives: This section outlines the specific objectives of the review of literature. These may include identifying the key studies on the topic, synthesizing the existing knowledge on the topic, and identifying gaps in the literature.
Methodology: This section describes the methods used to conduct the review of literature. It should include information on the search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the database or sources used to locate the studies.
Results: This section presents the findings of the review of literature. It should include a summary of the key studies on the topic, a synthesis of the existing knowledge, and any patterns or trends that emerge from the literature.
Discussion: This section discusses the implications of the review of literature for the research study. It should highlight the strengths and limitations of the existing knowledge on the topic and identify any gaps that need to be addressed in future research.
Conclusion: This section provides a summary of the key findings of the review of literature and highlights the importance of the research study in the context of the existing knowledge on the topic.
Below is a sample format for a review of related literature on the topic of "The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health":
Introduction: This review of literature aims to examine the impact of social media on youth mental health. The increasing use of social media among young people has raised concerns about the potential negative effects on mental health, including increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing knowledge on this topic and identify any gaps in the literature.
Objectives:
- To identify the key studies on the impact of social media on youth mental health
- To synthesize the existing knowledge on this topic
- To identify gaps in the literature and suggest areas for future research
Methodology: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search included studies published between 2010 and 2020 and included the following keywords: "social media," "youth," "mental health," "depression," "anxiety," and "loneliness." Inclusion criteria for the review included studies that: (1) focused on the impact of social media on youth mental health, (2) included participants aged 18 years or younger, and (3) were written in English. Exclusion criteria included studies that: (1) did not focus on the impact of social media on youth mental health, (2) included participants aged 19 years or older, and (3) were written in languages other than English.
Results: A total of 50 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The findings of these studies suggest that social media use is associated with increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety among youth. However, the strength of this association varies depending on the type of social media platform used, the frequency of use, and the individual characteristics of the user.
Discussion: The findings of this review suggest that social media use may have negative effects on youth mental