Literature mapping is a connection between articles of a concerned topic of research, while review of literature is every possible study on the research topic and its related branches to get as much idea possible to culminate or finalize what exactly you want to go for research.

Ripon Kumar Sarkar

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Ripon Kumar Sarkar 1. Literature Review

🔍 Definition:

A literature review is a critical, narrative summary of existing research on a particular topic. It synthesizes what is already known, identifies gaps, and sets the foundation for your own study.

🧩 Purpose:

• To summarize, analyze, and synthesize relevant studies.
• To show what has been done and what questions remain.
• To justify the need for your own research.

📝 Format:

• Written in paragraphs or essay form.
• Usually thematic, chronological, or methodological organization.
• Includes citations and critical commentary.

✅ Example Questions It Answers:

• What are the major findings?
• Where do researchers agree or disagree?
• What are the research gaps or limitations?

🗺️ 2. Literature Mapping

🗂️ Definition:

Literature mapping (also called conceptual mapping or evidence mapping) is a visual or structured overview of the landscape of existing literature. It shows how research areas are related, where clusters of studies exist, and where gaps are.

🎯 Purpose:

• To categorise and organise the literature.
• To identify themes, relationships, or trends.
• To plan a systematic review or research project.

📊 Format:

• Usually visual (charts, tables, diagrams, concept maps).
• Can also be systematic tables or matrices.
• Focuses on structure over narrative.

✅ Example Questions It Answers:

• What are the key concepts, and how are they related?
• Which topics are heavily studied or underexplored?
• What methodologies are commonly used?

The former deals with the text; the latter with the location(s) of the text.