Which statements are benefits of conducting a literature review?

• A. Identifies gaps in knowledge
• B. Synthesizes existing findings
• C. Helps formulate research questions
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

A literature review serves several key functions that advance a study. It identifies gaps in knowledge by laying out what is known and where questions still remain, signaling where new work is most needed. It also synthesizes existing findings, bringing together results from multiple studies to reveal overall patterns, agreements, or disagreements rather than taking single studies at face value. In addition, it helps formulate research questions by showing what has not been answered, where evidence is inconsistent, and what directions seem most promising based on the collected evidence. Because a literature review typically encompasses all of these aspects, the option that says all of the above is the best choice.