What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review before a study?

The primary purpose of conducting a literature review before a study is to identify gaps in existing knowledge. This process allows researchers to critically assess what has already been studied and published within a specific field, which highlights where further research is needed. By pinpointing these gaps, researchers can formulate relevant questions or hypotheses that address unanswered issues, making their study more relevant and impactful.

Identifying these gaps fosters innovation in research, as it encourages the exploration of new ideas and unexamined areas, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the discipline. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring that the research being proposed is necessary and adds value to the existing body of work. It helps in formulating the study's objectives and design, guiding researchers on how to contribute meaningfully to their field.

While summarizing previous research, justifying budgets, and presenting arguments against alternative theories may be components of the research process, they do not encapsulate the main intention behind conducting the initial literature review, which is to highlight and address existing gaps in knowledge.