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translate to practical use or implementation. This aids
researchers in connecting their work back to impactful
outcomes for policy, society, technology, the environment,
health, or other fields. It demonstrates responsible practices.
Establishing significance is an element of ethical, thorough,
and transparent research practices. It shows respect for
contributors and stakeholders by detailing how their time and
cooperation will lead to meaningful outcomes from the start.

Summarised Overview

The unit initially focuses on one of the important components called
literature review in the research process. Literature review is an essential part
of the research process as it involves examining existing books, articles, and
sources related to a specific research problem or topic. Literature review serves
multiple purposes, including understanding prior research, identifying gaps and
inconsistencies, and situating the researcher’s own study within the broader
context. The unit then discusses the primary and secondary sources and their
roles in conducting a research programme. It proceeds to briefly explain the
convergence and divergence in the research study. After that, it explores the
term "research gap" and its importance. Identifying research gaps is crucial
for contributing to knowledge and addressing unanswered questions. It helps
researchers avoid replication, build on existing knowledge, and advance their
fields. Establishing the significance of the research is another important section
the unit discusses. It is crucial for a researcher to establish the significance of his/
her research in the particular area of study. This aids in expanding knowledge
and outlining the potential benefits of that research work to others.

Assignments

1. Explain the importance of conducting a review of existing research in
your field.

2. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources, and discuss their
respective roles in research.

3. Identify a specific research gap in the current literature pertaining to
your research topic, and explain its significance in terms of the potential
contributions it can make to the existing knowledge in the field.

92 SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing