What is the typical role of the literature review in the introduction?

• A. To review related literature, set context, and justify the study
• B. To present the study’s results
• C. To describe the data collection forms
• D. To list funding sources

Answer: (A)

The literature review in the introduction builds context and justifies the study by surveying what previous research has found, identifying gaps or unresolved questions, and showing how this project will address them. It helps readers understand the current state of knowledge and why this new work matters, including what question it tackles and what contribution it aims to make. It isn’t about presenting results, describing data collection forms, or listing funding sources; those parts belong in later sections. By linking past research to the current study, the literature review motivates the work and sets expectations for its contribution.