In qualitative research, what is the primary role of the literature review at the beginning of the study?

In qualitative research, the primary role of the literature review at the beginning of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the topic. This serves several purposes:

1. Contextualization: It helps to situate the research within the broader academic discourse, showing how it relates to previous studies in the field.

2. Identification of gaps: By reviewing the literature, researchers can identify what has been done and what has not been done in their area of interest. This helps to pinpoint gaps in the existing body of knowledge that the proposed research aims to fill.

3. Theoretical Framework: The literature review can also help to establish the theoretical framework for the study, providing concepts and theories that will guide the research design and analysis.

4. Methodological Considerations: It can also inform the methodology of the study, as researchers can learn from the methods used in previous studies, their strengths and weaknesses.

5. Justification: Finally, a thorough literature review can help to justify the need for the study, demonstrating that it is a worthwhile contribution to the field.