What is a Descriptive Literature Review?

Descriptive literature reviews provide comprehensive summaries of existing research on a specific topic. They offer an organized overview without engaging in critical analysis or evaluation. These reviews detail the main findings, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks used in relevant studies. By synthesizing a wide range of research, they present a broad picture of the current state of knowledge in the field. They help identify trends, patterns, and gaps within the literature that can guide future investigations.

Descriptive literature reviews are valuable for researchers and practitioners because they offer an essential context for new research endeavours and inform practical applications. They establish a solid foundation for future studies by enhancing understanding of the scope of existing research. They support the development of research questions and methodologies based on the summarized evidence. Descriptive reviews make it easier for other researchers to understand the empirical evidence on a subject by reviewing literature thematically.