Overview
n what is called “primary research,” the authors might conduct physical experiments that yield quantifiable data to analyze. In such a paper based on empirical research, there would be a Results section. In contrast, your research project is considered “secondary research” or “meta-analysis” because you are using the research already published by the primary researchers who have gone before you. The published sources you found are the results of your research. Our “Literature Review” section serves the same function, i.e., telling the reader what results were found. This section should present your findings/the evidence (but not get into interpretation, which is the function of another section yet to come).
Your Literature Review should provide readers general themes that provide background to increase their understanding of the Research Question. This background will give them a context for your question and set them up to understand your answer to the question.