Page 87 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY
P. 87
as "To what extent does X contribute to Z?" Although its
usage is growing in the social sciences, this type of literature
review is predominantly employed to examine past research
endeavours in clinical medicine and related healthcare fields.
Theoretical Review
The purpose of this form is to evaluate the existing body of
theory that has been developed in relation to a problem, idea,
theory, or phenomena. By conducting a theoretical literature
To demonstrate the review, researchers are able to identify the current ideas,
insufficiency of their interconnections, and the depth to which they have been
current theories
investigated. This format is commonly used to demonstrate
the lack of suitable theories or the insufficiency of current
theories in addressing new or emerging research issues. The
focal point of analysis can range from a theoretical concept
to a comprehensive theory or framework.
1.4.2 Primary and Secondary Sources
The term 'primary source' is a broad category encompassing
all sources considered original. These sources offer firsthand
information closely related to the subject being studied and
can take the form of original documents, raw materials, or
information obtained directly from the source. By utilising
primary sources, researchers gain a deeper understanding
Primary source of the original ideas, events, and empirical research. Such
and its function sources may include creative works, firsthand accounts of
events, or the publication of research findings based on
direct observations. The main purpose of a primary source
is to provide direct evidence about individuals, events, or
phenomena of interest to the researcher. This evidence can
be in the form of qualitative or quantitative data collected
by the researchers themselves, such as through interviews,
surveys, or experiments.
A secondary source is a type of source that provides
a review, analysis, or summary of information originally
found in a primary source or another secondary source. It
offers second-hand information as the author did not directly
observe or experience the subject matter. Examples of
Secondary secondary sources include scholarly books, journal articles,
source and printed or digital documents created by individuals who
were not present during the events or subject matter being
discussed. Instead of serving as direct evidence, secondary
sources offer interpretations, analyses, or commentaries
based on information obtained from primary sources or
other secondary sources. They are valuable in providing a
SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 81