What is the primary goal of a literature review?

The primary goal of a literature review is to synthesize the most important information relevant to the topic. This process involves evaluating existing research, summarizing key findings, and integrating knowledge from various studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on a particular subject. By synthesizing this information, a literature review helps identify trends, gaps, and potential areas for future research, as well as establishes a theoretical framework for the topic being studied. This synthesis is crucial for guiding subsequent research efforts and ensuring a well-informed approach to the subject matter.

While other options refer to important aspects of research, they do not capture the primary function of a literature review, which is to amalgamate findings rather than simply present original work, create a bibliography, or critique methodologies.