Lesson 3: Literature Review & Writing

A literature review surveys existing research on your topic to show what is already known and what gaps your study can fill. It summarizes key findings and puts them in the context of your research. For example, you might write: "Prior studies in the Philippines have found that mobile apps greatly increase student engagement in online learning (De la Cruz & Santos, 2021), suggesting that improving app design could further boost learning outcomes." This demonstrates you understand past work and sets the stage for your research.

Use reliable academic sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and official reports. Search tools like Google Scholar, university library databases, or government repositories are helpful. For example, you might find useful papers in the DOST or CHED archives or at tech conferences (IEEE, ACM). Check a source's credibility by considering the author's expertise and the publication venue. Also look at the date: since technology changes fast, prefer recent studies (ideally within the last 5–10 years). Always note how each source's findings relate to your own research question.