Functions of literature review – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and E are accepted functions of a good literature review, whereas D is false. A literature review maps what is already known, identifies gaps, helps refine questions or hypotheses and prevents unnecessary duplication. It also situates the current work within relevant theories and conceptual frameworks. Statement D is wrong because empirical studies also require literature reviews to connect them with existing evidence.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, ignoring the crucial role of the literature review in anchoring the study in theoretical perspectives. Because it leaves out one true statement, the combination is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it assembles all the true statements and excludes D, which undervalues the importance of literature review in empirical work. It therefore provides a comprehensive view of the purposes of reviewing earlier research.

Option C:
Option C adds D, which wrongly suggests that literature review is optional for empirical studies, and omits C, which correctly highlights avoiding duplication. This mixture of inclusion and omission makes the option unsound.

Option D:
Option D leaves out A, thereby failing to acknowledge gap identification as a central function of literature review. Even though B, C and E are correct, missing A prevents the option from being complete.

Option E includes D, the incorrect claim, and omits B, which recognises the refinement of questions and hypotheses. Because it both adds a false statement and omits a true one, this option cannot be accepted.