Desk review and literature review are both methods used to understand existing knowledge and research regarding a specific topic, but they have different purposes and approaches.
Desk review is a process where an individual examines the existing documents or data related to a specific topic to gather information. The primary objective of desk review is to identify relevant data sources, assess the quality of data, and identify gaps where further research may be needed. Desk review is often done for the purpose of identifying research questions and designing a research study.
On the other hand, a literature review involves an in-depth analysis of the available literature on a particular research topic, including books, journals, articles, and academic publications. The primary objective of a literature review is to identify the gaps in knowledge regarding a particular topic and provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing research on the topic. Literature reviews often involve a systematic analysis of the literature, including data collection, data analysis, and data synthesis.
The dichotomy between desk review and literature review lies in their approaches and objectives. Desk review is more focused on quickly identifying relevant sources and gaps in knowledge to inform research questions, while literature review is more comprehensive and aims to provide an in-depth analysis of existing knowledge. Desk review is often a preliminary step in the research process, while literature review is often done in the context of a larger research project.
Desk review is often done for the purpose of identifying research questions and designing a research study. On the other hand, a literature review involves an in-depth analysis of the available literature on a particular research topic, including books, journals, articles, and academic publications
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