Extensive Literature Survey vs. Review

Attribute	Extensive Literature Survey	Review
Scope	Comprehensive coverage of existing literature	Focus on specific research question or topic
Objective	To gather all relevant information on a subject	To evaluate and synthesize existing research
Methodology	Systematic search and analysis of literature	Critical analysis and interpretation of findings
Depth	In-depth exploration of various sources	Thorough examination of key studies
Length	Can be lengthy due to extensive coverage	Usually shorter and more focused

Introduction

When conducting research, it is essential to review existing literature to understand the current state of knowledge on a particular topic. Two common methods used for this purpose are Extensive Literature Survey and Review. While both approaches involve examining previous studies and publications, there are key differences in their methodologies and objectives.

Extensive Literature Survey

An Extensive Literature Survey involves a comprehensive search and analysis of a wide range of sources related to a specific research topic. Researchers conducting an extensive literature survey aim to gather as much information as possible on the subject to gain a thorough understanding of the existing literature. This method typically involves reviewing academic journals, books, conference proceedings, and other relevant publications to identify key themes, trends, and gaps in the literature.

One of the main advantages of an Extensive Literature Survey is that it allows researchers to explore a broad range of sources and perspectives on a topic. By casting a wide net, researchers can gain a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and identify areas for further investigation. Additionally, an extensive literature survey can help researchers identify potential research questions and hypotheses based on gaps or inconsistencies in the literature.

However, conducting an Extensive Literature Survey can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Researchers must sift through a large volume of literature to identify relevant sources and extract key information. This can be challenging, particularly for complex or interdisciplinary research topics that span multiple fields of study. Additionally, the sheer volume of information gathered during an extensive literature survey can make it difficult to synthesize and analyze the findings effectively.

Review

A Review, on the other hand, involves a more focused and targeted analysis of existing literature on a specific research question or topic. Unlike an extensive literature survey, which aims to gather a broad range of sources, a review typically focuses on synthesizing and evaluating a select number of key studies and publications that are directly relevant to the research question at hand.

One of the main advantages of a Review is that it allows researchers to delve deeply into specific studies and publications to gain a more nuanced understanding of the topic. By focusing on a smaller number of sources, researchers can analyze the methodologies, findings, and conclusions of individual studies in greater detail. This can help researchers identify patterns, contradictions, or gaps in the literature that may not be apparent in a broader survey.

However, a Review may be limited in scope compared to an Extensive Literature Survey. By focusing on a smaller number of sources, researchers may overlook important perspectives or insights from other studies that could provide valuable context or support for their research. Additionally, a Review may be more susceptible to bias, as researchers may inadvertently select studies that align with their own preconceived notions or hypotheses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Extensive Literature Survey and Review are valuable methods for reviewing existing literature in research. While an Extensive Literature Survey allows researchers to explore a wide range of sources and perspectives on a topic, a Review offers a more focused and in-depth analysis of key studies and publications. Researchers should consider the objectives of their research, the scope of the topic, and the resources available when deciding which method to use for reviewing the literature.