Thesis Literature Review
The purpose of a thesis Literature Review is to ensure that you have a solid comprehension of the background of the topic of which you are attempting to write. The Literature Review is a structured approach that ensures that you have full exposure to the necessary information and fundamental knowledge regarding your topic; in essence, the literature review is there to make sure that you know what you are talking about.
Understanding Current State of Research
Moreover, the literature review is designed to help the reader understand the current state of academia regarding a specific topic. Most, if not all, readers of theses come from a wide range of academic backgrounds and may not be deeply familiar with the topic upon which you are writing. Thus, a literature review acts to get the reader up to speed on the current literature in existence.
Applying Your Work
In practical terms, the literature review also helps to make sure that everyone knows the material and research you will be writing and performing is, in fact, original. Duplication of studies is permitted in some instances, but in general a thesis cannot simply regurgitate existing information and research in a new package, but must rather argue new and interesting points and offer unique perspectives that make the endeavor a worthwhile one.
Springboard for Future Research
The literature review also exists to help other academics understand where and why the research you have conducted is appropriate and meaningful to the area of study, and where the topics you cover apply to the general knowledge of the field. In other words, the literature review lets others see the work you have done and fit it into the broader collection of communal knowledge that exists in academia. Moreover, the literature review affords other researchers an excellent opportunity to begin research of their own on related topics, and use your work as the base for further study into a given interest.
