Reviewing literature to solve an identified problem is different from conducting a literature review to search for a gap in knowledge. At the same time, their common features of both types of literature reviews. On the one hand, the purpose of both types of research is to discern what is appropriate and valuable. In the scriptures, Paul says, “do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil” (New International Version Bible, 1983, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22).
Assuming that everything “good” is of true value and everything “evil” is a fallacy, the aim of any research is to distinguish truth from error. On the other hand, both types of literature reviews summarize and synthesize knowledge from only credible and relevant sources. In both cases, researchers need to assess the sources they utilize for reliability and relevancy for the identified problem or topic. Thus, both types of literature review have a somewhat similar purpose and methods.
At the same time, there are significant differences that should be acknowledged. When closing the gap, the literature review is driven by curiosity rather than by the immediate need to solve a problem. I understand a gap in the literature as an area in the knowledge that has not yet been explored. A gap in literature may also mean an area of knowledge that has been explored insufficiently, or the findings in the area have been controversial. For instance, when reviewing literature for solving the problem of low SOL scores of minority students in Granby Elementary School, I came across research by Pearman et al. (2019) that aimed at addressing uncertainty concerning correlations between the discipline gap and the achievement gap. The inter-relationships were assessed using a large sample, which helped to diminish the uncertainty in the area,
The review of literature for identifying a gap in knowledge eventually adds to the body of knowledge. I understand adding to the body of knowledge as unveiling a relevant truth using robust methodologies for the use and information of future generations. There are numerous examples of adding to the body of knowledge in the Bible. Danial says, “in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years” (New International Version Bible, 1983, Danial 9:2). This demonstrates that Danial conducted a literature review to understand what his vision meant to add to the current body of knowledge.
However, using literature to solve a particular problem is different from simply adding to the body of knowledge. When reviewing literature for solving a problem, the literature review is very narrow. Additionally, the findings of such literature reviews are limited and should be used in the future with caution. For instance, Job says: “I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger” (New International Version Bible, 1983, Job 29:16).
This shows that Job investigated every case to respond appropriately to the needs of others. Such investigations were helpful for solving the problems of an individual; however, the findings of such investigations could be used for addressing the problem of one individual, not all of them. Thus, the differences between conducting a literature review to search for a gap in knowledge and reviewing the literature to solve a problem are the generalizability of findings and the breadth of the research question.
References
New International Version Bible. (1983). Web.
Pearman, F. A., Curran, F. C., Fisher, B., & Gardella, J. (2019). Are achievement gaps related to discipline gaps? Evidence from national data. Aera Open, 5(4), 1-18.