What is RRL in Research?
RRL stands for Review of Related Literature. It is a section of a research paper that summarizes and evaluates previous research on a specific topic. RRLs are important because they help researchers understand the current knowledge on a topic and identify areas for new research. It serves as a comprehensive review of existing knowledge from academic articles, books, and other credible sources relevant to the research.
Latest Read
The main purpose of the RRL is to present the current state of research on the topic, identify gaps in the literature, and justify the need for the present study. By providing context, the RRL section highlights how the current research contributes to or expands on the existing body of knowledge.
RRL includes a synthesis and evaluation of previous studies, compares and contrasts their findings with the current research, and explores the theoretical frameworks or models relevant to the topic. The references used in this section lay the foundation for the study’s hypotheses or research questions.
Literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic.
There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
- Search for relevant literature
- Evaluate sources
- Identify themes, debates, and gaps
- Outline the structure
- Write your literature review
Good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources – it analyzes, synthesizes, and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.
What is the Purpose of a Literature Review?
When you write a thesis, dissertation, or research paper, you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:
- Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context
- Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
- Position your work in relation to other researchers and theorists
- Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate
- Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.
Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.
RRL vs. RRS: Understanding the difference
First thought that crossed mind was “What is RRS?” As she read further, she understood that RRS is a focused evaluation of specific research studies that directly relate to a given research topic or question. It helps researchers refine their research design and data collection strategies by drawing from prior studies.
Simple comparison table helped her understand better:
| Aspect | RRL (Review of Related Literature) | RRS (Review of Related Studies) |
| Focus | Evaluates concepts, theories, and research themes | Examines specific research studies and their findings |
| Scope | Broad, focusing on literature trends | Narrow, focusing on study methodologies and results |
| Purpose | Establishes theoretical framework | Supports methodological choices |
| Outcome | Highlights gaps and justifies research questions | Informs research design and data analysis |
To understand their difference better, Referred to some examples of RRL and RRS in research. Example that she referred.
Example of RRL in Research
Research Topic:
The impact of mindfulness techniques on reducing workplace stress.
RRL (Review of Related Literature):
The RRL evaluates the broad body of literature related to mindfulness and workplace stress.
- Themes or Concepts Reviewed:
- Mindfulness Theories: Examines foundational theories such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and their application in professional settings.
- Stress in the Workplace: Reviews studies discussing the causes, types, and effects of workplace stress.
- Mindfulness Trends: Explores research about increasing interest in mindfulness in corporate wellness programs and its reported benefits.
- Purpose in the Research:
- Identifies gaps, such as a lack of studies examining long-term effectiveness of mindfulness interventions.
- Establishes context for the research by showing how workplace stress is addressed in various industries and the role of mindfulness.
Example of RRS in Research
Research Topic:
The impact of mindfulness techniques on reducing workplace stress.
RRS (Review of Related Studies):
RRS focuses on specific studies conducted on mindfulness and workplace stress.
- Studies Reviewed:
- Study A: 2018 randomized control trial investigating the effects of an 8-week MBSR program on stress levels among IT professionals.
- Study B: 2020 qualitative study exploring employees’ perceptions of mindfulness meditation sessions in a healthcare company.
- Study C: Meta-analysis conducted in 2019 assessing the efficacy of mindfulness-based programs on workplace stress in high-stress professions like law and medicine.
- Purpose in the Research:
- Critiques methodologies (Study A) and identifies limitations (small sample size in Study B).
- Highlights gaps in findings (e.g., Study C does not include data from emerging markets).
- Informs the design of the current study, such as choosing a mixed-methods approach or incorporating specific demographic groups.
While RRL provides a thematic and conceptual overview, analyzing broad patterns and theories, RRS delves into specific studies, focusing on their methods, findings, and contributions to the research topic.
FAQs
What is RRL?
- Comprehensive evaluation of existing research related to a specific topic.
Why is RRL important?
- It provides context, identifies gaps, and justifies the need for your study.
How do you write an RRL?
- Summarize relevant studies, highlight gaps, and connect them to your research.
Where is RRL used?
- In the introduction section of research papers and theses.
What should RRL include?
- Key findings, gaps, and trends in existing literature.
How long should an RRL be?
- It varies, but it should be concise and focused.
When should you write the RRL?
- After conducting a thorough literature review.
Can RRL include controversial topics?
- Yes, addressing controversies can clarify the research context.
What is the difference between RRL and literature review?
- RRL is a type of literature review focused on related studies.
How do you find sources for RRL?
- Use academic databases, journals, and credible online sources.
Best Read
