The importance of literature review in research methodology gains relevance in terms of making the right selection of the research process. The review of literature in the chapter for research methodology follows the trend of revealing knowledge. However, it is significant to note that the literature review in research methodology concentrates on finding knowledge about the research method rather than the research topic.
Review of literature can get complicated if you do not restrict yourself from the following two practices-
Getting carried away by some other interesting discoveries
Accepting former research which has minimal or no relevance to your research
In the literature review in research methodology, you need to investigate various kinds of research methodologies and their philosophical dimensions to detect the best research methodology for your research. The review of literature in research methodology must investigate the two-three research approaches and should detect the one that stands most appropriate of all. In general, there are ten types of research methodologies:
The researcher must be able to follow step-by-step provisions to reach the right research methodology. In the process, the review of literature is important to show the justified reasons for your selection. It is highly recommended that to make the right selection of the research methodology, always follow the Research Onion of Saunders. According to “Research Methods for Business Students” by Saunders et al (2012):
Source: Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited
According to the Research Onion, to attain the systematic way to detect the right research methodology, the researcher must undergo the process of critical evaluation of the following proceedings:
Thus, the literature review in research methodology is about reviewing all the literature that is about the research process. A comparative analysis of various instructions and procedures attained through the review of literature can bring in clearance about the research methodology of your study.