What does the body of literature refer to in research?

The body of literature in research refers to all writing and published data on a given topic. This encompasses books, journal articles, conference papers, and other scholarly works that contribute to the understanding and exploration of that subject. Researchers analyze this existing literature to identify trends, gaps, and key findings that inform their own studies.

This comprehensive collection of works is crucial for situating new research within the context of what has already been discovered, allowing for a deeper analysis and understanding of the topic at hand. Understanding the breadth of existing literature helps researchers avoid redundancy in their work and contributes to the overall advancement of knowledge in their field.