Literature review:

The literature review provides the context to the problem or issue in terms of an analysis of existing knowledge. At this stage, it is expected that you will have some idea of the broad areas of literature that you might investigate. The literature will later frame the definition and approach to the problem or issue, and establish a conceptual framework for the study. Although it is important to start this very early on, it is likely to be extended by further reading during your research and perhaps revised in the light of further consideration of the subject area.