The Importance of Literature Reviews in Laboratory Research

Whenever we look into the success of a clinical trial on the news, a research paper, or any lab research piece for that matter, we often give a lot of credit to the research methods and research techniques used to get the desired result. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the background work for any research paper: the literature review. Literature reviews help researchers understand the current state of knowledge in their field of study. It can also help us to analyze trends in research methods used in our field and to create unique solutions to solve a particular problem identified in the literature. Let’s explore how a literature review can set you up for success in lab research as a high school student and beyond.

Why Literature Review?

A literature review is the summary of knowledge on a particular topic which includes what has already been discovered. This is your opportunity to go back to previous surveys, experiments, and findings. Through analyzing past literature, you will be able to find out the main findings, arguments, and counterarguments. This process helps you uncover gaps in research and understand which ideas scientists agree on. Identifying these gaps can help generate your research question and let you make valuable additions to the scientific community. For example, a literature review on the causes and effects of wildfires in California could provide valuable insights for future research in environmental science.

Narrowing Down Your Research Question 

The more you read, the more precise your question is. At this stage, you can refine and sharpen the most promising research question, which is critical for the success of your study.  The literature review helps give clarity in terms of which particular perspective on the topic you wish to investigate. The more focused your question, the better you’ll be able to design relevant and impactful experiments. Think of your literature review as a lens that notches your research focus from broad concepts to specific, actionable details.

Moreover, a literature review unveils not only the studies that have taken place but also how they were conducted. In your research of past methodologies, you will start finding techniques and protocols that might be beneficial to your own study. You might find opportunities to improve existing techniques or identify fresh approaches that haven’t been explored yet.  This knowledge then allows you to build on established methods while pioneering new approaches in experimental design.

Avoiding Mistakes from Previous Papers

Learning the setbacks and limitations that other researchers have faced will save you from making those mistakes. Researchers often record challenges related to sample sizes, uncontrolled variables, or experimental errors. Understanding these common pitfalls equips you to anticipate potential obstacles and minimize risks in your research. This preparation strengthens your approach and helps you build resilience to setbacks.

Determining the Importance of Results

A literature review offers one of the most important aspects that would help in enlightening the range of possible consequences you could observe. By reading past studies, you can predict the outcomes of your research experiment. An experiment could go in a totally different way from what past studies have predicted. However, literature reviews provide a solid foundation for interpreting and understanding your results. Moreover, if you encounter unusual results, the literature review would provide directions in situating them within the larger field.

In addition, a well-done literature review not only informs your study but also gives credibility to its significance. It builds a case in favor of the necessity of the research by finding gaps and places where things can be improved. This is important for identifying potential funding, ethical approval solicitation, or simply presenting your work. A good literature review also ensures that what you are doing is not duplicative but is rather an important addition to the progress of science.

Creating and Maintaining Ethos

Finally, an extensive literature review makes you a knowledgeable reader and credible researcher in the field. When you are working with others or presenting your research, the extra effort you put in to truly know the body of existing knowledge will put you closer to being accepted as a serious scholar. It shows that you respect the work that has been done before, and it shows that you invest in carefully building on that work.

A literature review is not just a compilation of previous studies; it serves as the foundation for all laboratory research. With that groundwork laid, you'll be equipped with the knowledge, context, and perspective necessary to conduct accurate and meaningful experiments. So, next time you set out to do a research project, think of the literature review as your gateway to success in the lab. With a solid start, you're on your way to making valuable contributions to science. For more guidance on finding research opportunities, check out our research opportunity guides and Research Mentorship Program.