What is a key purpose of literature reviews in social work research?

A key purpose of literature reviews in social work research is to summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps. This process involves critically evaluating and synthesizing previous research findings related to a specific topic or problem within the field. By doing so, literature reviews provide a comprehensive overview of what is already known, highlight areas where knowledge may be lacking, and identify specific questions that need further investigation.

This is essential in the field of social work, where practitioners and researchers rely on existing studies to inform their practice and develop new interventions. Understanding where gaps in the literature exist allows researchers to formulate research questions that are relevant and necessary for advancing the field. Additionally, literature reviews help to establish a theoretical framework for new studies and contribute to the evidence base by guiding future research efforts toward addressing specific societal issues.