Related Literature vs. Related Studies

Attribute	Related Literature	Related Studies
Definition	Existing published materials that are related to the topic of study	Research works that are directly relevant to the current study
Sources	Books, journals, articles, and other written materials	Research papers, thesis, dissertations, and conference proceedings
Purpose	To provide background information and context for the study	To support the current research and validate its findings
Scope	May include literary works, historical documents, and theoretical frameworks	Focuses on empirical studies, experiments, and data analysis

Definition

Related literature refers to the existing body of knowledge and information on a particular topic that is relevant to the study at hand. This includes books, articles, and other written works that provide background information and context for the research. On the other hand, related studies are research studies that have been conducted by other researchers on a similar topic or related issues. These studies provide empirical evidence and findings that can support or refute the hypotheses of the current study.

Sources

Related literature is typically sourced from academic journals, books, and other scholarly publications. Researchers often review and synthesize this literature to build a theoretical framework for their study. Related studies, on the other hand, are usually sourced from research articles, reports, and dissertations. These studies are important for providing evidence-based support for the research questions and hypotheses being investigated.

Scope

Related literature often provides a broad overview of the topic under study, covering various theories, concepts, and perspectives. It helps researchers understand the historical development and current state of knowledge in the field. Related studies, on the other hand, focus on specific research questions and methodologies. They provide detailed findings and analysis that can be used to inform the design and implementation of the current study.

Purpose

The purpose of related literature is to provide a theoretical foundation for the research, helping researchers identify gaps in the existing knowledge and formulate research questions. It also helps in developing hypotheses and conceptual frameworks. Related studies, on the other hand, serve to validate or challenge the findings of the current study. They provide empirical evidence that can support or refute the research hypotheses.

Methodology

Related literature is often reviewed and synthesized through a literature review process. Researchers analyze and interpret the information from various sources to build a coherent argument for their study. Related studies, on the other hand, are typically analyzed using statistical methods and research techniques. Researchers examine the data and findings from these studies to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Impact

Related literature can have a significant impact on the research process by shaping the theoretical framework and research questions. It helps researchers situate their study within the broader context of the field and identify areas for further investigation. Related studies, on the other hand, can provide concrete evidence and findings that can support the conclusions of the current study. They help validate the research findings and contribute to the overall body of knowledge in the field.