Lekanides defines a literature review as "a summative evaluation of what has already been written (or said) about a given topic" (58).
from IB: Preliminary reading
Students will find preliminary reading before they decide on their research question
helpful. It will:
make them aware of what sources of information are available to them
form the basis of demonstrating their knowledge and understanding in context—criterion B.
Criterion B requires students to:
demonstrate how their own research fits into the wider subject area under which they are submitting it
justify why their particular topic is worthy of investigation.
Questions to consider
Questions for students to consider include the following.
What has already been written about this topic?
Is it easy to find sources of information?
Is there a range of different sources available?
If I want to collect my own data, is this feasible?
Is there a range of views and perspectives on the topic?
What interesting questions have started to emerge from my reading so far?