Pluto Labs

Defining the scope of a literature review is perhaps the most critical early decision in the review process. Too broad, and the review becomes unwieldy, superficial, and difficult to complete; too narrow, and it risks missing important context or contributing little to the field. A well-defined scope serves as the

One of the most valuable outcomes of a well-executed literature review is the identification of gaps in existing research. These gaps represent opportunities for meaningful contribution to a field—spaces where knowledge remains incomplete, methodologies untested, or theoretical frameworks underdeveloped. For researchers, the ability to identify and subsequently fill these

The quality of a literature review fundamentally depends on the comprehensiveness and relevance of the sources it examines. A well-executed search strategy serves as the foundation for identifying appropriate literature, ensuring that researchers capture the full spectrum of relevant work while filtering out extraneous material. This article explores the essential

In simple language, a literature review provides context, justification, and direction for new studies. More than a simple summary of existing work, a well-crafted literature review synthesizes, analyzes, and critically evaluates published research to establish the foundation for further inquiry. This article explores the essential elements of literature reviews, their

Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are imperative across diverse fields, from healthcare and education to social sciences and engineering. Unlike narrative reviews, SLRs adhere to a pre-defined protocol and employ systematic methods to identify, select, appraise, and synthesize all relevant research addressing a specific question. This comprehensive approach minimizes bias and

Interdisciplinary research has become increasingly vital in addressing contemporary challenges that transcend traditional academic boundaries. From climate change to artificial intelligence ethics, the most pressing questions of our time demand insights from multiple knowledge domains. The interdisciplinary literature review is a sophisticated synthesis that bridges diverse theoretical frameworks, methodological traditions,