What is the primary purpose of a literature review in secondary research?

The primary purpose of a literature review in secondary research is to summarize and evaluate existing knowledge. A literature review synthesizes previous research on a topic, allowing the researcher to understand what has already been studied, identify gaps in the literature, and establish a context for their own research. This involves analyzing and critiquing current findings, theories, and methodologies, which helps to inform future research directions.

The act of summarizing and evaluating existing knowledge is critical for ensuring that any new research builds upon a solid foundation rather than repeating old work or overlooking important information. This creates a well-rounded view of the subject area, guiding researchers in developing hypotheses and methodologies that are informed by prior studies.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that do not align with the fundamental purpose of a literature review. Presenting original findings is not the goal of a literature review, as it aims to reflect on existing work instead of contributing new data. Additionally, creating new data sets and experiments pertains more to primary research than literature reviews. Finally, while theoretical frameworks may be discussed within a literature review, the scope is much broader, encompassing all relevant research rather than being limited solely to theoretical aspects.