How to Write the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Not sure how to write the Review of Related Studies (RRS) in your research paper? It might seem like just a summary of past works, but this section builds the backbone of your study’s credibility.

This guide will walk you through how to write a clear, organized, and relevant review of related studies explaining what to include, how to structure it, and how to connect it directly to your research topic and objectives.

What Is the Review of Related Studies (RRS)?

The Review of Related Studies (RRS) is a key part of Chapter 2 in your research paper. It focuses on summarizing past studies that are directly related to your topic.

Here’s what it does:

• Summarizes previous research connected to your topic, variables, and methods
• Shows what has already been studied, discovered, or proven
• Identifies gaps, limitations, or contradictions in existing studies
• Explains how your study connects to or builds on past research
• Establishes the relevance and credibility of your research
• Helps align your research questions, objectives, and methodology with what’s already known

The RRS isn’t just a background section; it’s a strategic tool to prove your study matters in the academic conversation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

This section is divided into Pre-Writing and Writing stages to help you build a relevant, evidence-based RRS with clarity and purpose.

PRE-WRITING STAGE: Before You Write

Step 1: Start with Your Research Title and Questions

Before searching for studies, clarify your focus.

• Highlight your key terms in the title and research questions.
• Identify the main variables, constructs, population, or phenomenon.
• Ask yourself:
  • What are my independent and dependent variables?
  • What specific issue or phenomenon is this study addressing?
  • What type of studies can inform or justify my research?

Goal: Define the scope and direction of your review to stay focused and avoid irrelevant literature.

Step 2: Identify and Classify Your Key Variables or Themes

Break down your research topic into clear keywords or constructs. These will guide your literature search and help organize your review.

Classify the variables into:

• Independent and dependent variables
• Central themes or topics (e.g., online learning, time management)
• Keywords linked to methodology (e.g., “quantitative,” “case study”)

Tip: This classification becomes useful when grouping related studies later in the writing stage.

Step 3: Search for Related Research Studies

Begin finding sources from reputable academic platforms. Prioritize:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Theses/dissertations from university repositories
• Books and academic conference papers
• International and local studies for breadth and relevance

Use tools like:

• Google Scholar
• JSTOR
• ERIC
• ResearchGate
• University Libraries

Recommended: Focus on studies published within the last 5–10 years, unless you’re citing landmark or foundational research.

Step 4: Evaluate, Filter, and Organize Your Sources

Not all studies are worth including. Critically screen each source based on:

• Relevance to your variables and context
• Credibility of the author or publisher
• Research quality (sample size, methods, clarity of findings)

Create a summary matrix to stay organized:

Author(s)	Year	Title/Topic	Methodology	Key Findings	Relevance to Your Study
Cruz & Dela Paz	2021	Social Media & Study Habits	Quantitative	High usage leads to procrastination	Supports variable on tech distraction

Tip: This matrix helps you quickly locate and categorize themes during writing.

WRITING STAGE: Writing the Review

Step 5: Choose Your Structure (Narrative vs. Thematic)

Decide how you will present the studies:

• Narrative format: If you have fewer sources, describe each one in a paragraph (author-by-author).
• Thematic format: If you have many sources, group them into themes (e.g., “Student Motivation,” “Technology Use”).

Best Practice: Use thematic structure for deeper analysis and synthesis.

Step 6: Write Using a Consistent Format per Study

For each study, follow this writing flow:

1. Author and Year
2. Purpose/Objective of the study
3. Method used (qualitative, quantitative, sample size)
4. Key findings
5. Relevance to your study

Example:

Cruz (2021) examined the impact of social media on academic productivity using a quantitative survey of 300 high school students. Findings revealed that excessive use of social platforms correlated with poor time management and lower academic scores. This supports the present study’s focus on technology-related distractions.

Step 7: Synthesize, Don’t Just Summarize

Instead of listing studies one by one, make connections between them.

Ask yourself:

• Do any studies support or contradict each other?
• Are there common patterns in findings?
• What gaps or inconsistencies can I highlight?

Use transitions like:

• Similarly,
• In contrast,
• Building on this,
• These findings suggest that…

Goal: Create a coherent conversation among studies, not a collection of summaries.

Step 8: Link the Studies Back to Your Research

After every major theme or batch of studies, briefly explain their relevance to your topic:

• How does this inform your theoretical framework, methods, or problem statement?
• What gaps did you identify?
• What justifies your study’s purpose or design?

This step ties the literature to your study’s direction, making your RRS purposeful, not just descriptive.

Step 9: Cite Properly and Consistently

Follow the required citation format (APA, MLA, or Chicago):

• Double-check author names, publication years, and titles
• Ensure consistency between in-text citations and your reference list

Tip: Use citation tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or Google Docs citations to automate formatting.

Step 10: Revise for Flow, Alignment, and Accuracy

Now review your draft:

• Are the paragraphs logically ordered?
• Are all points connected to your topic?
• Have you removed outdated or weak studies?
• Is the language academic, concise, and grammatically correct?

Optional: Ask a peer or mentor to review it for clarity and relevance.

Sample Final Output

Research Title: The Effect of Social Media Usage on the Study Habits of Senior High School Students

Review of Related Studies (RRS)

This section reviews key studies that explore the relationship between social media use and academic behaviors among students. Studies are grouped into three major themes: (1) Patterns of Social Media Use, (2) Social Media and Academic Performance, and (3) Time Management and Study Habits.

1. Patterns of Social Media Use Among Students

Several studies have examined the frequency and purpose of social media use among senior high school students.

For instance, Garcia and Santos (2020) conducted a survey across five private schools in Metro Manila and found that students spend an average of 4–6 hours per day on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Most usage occurred in the evening and was entertainment-focused. This pattern suggests potential overlap with study time.

Similarly, Rahman (2021) identified that students often check social media during class hours, contributing to reduced focus and multitasking habits. This supports the current study’s interest in digital distractions during study periods.

2. Social Media and Academic Performance

Research has revealed mixed results on whether social media affects students’ grades.

Lim and Cruz (2019) found a negative correlation between excessive social media use and academic performance in a sample of 200 high school students in Singapore. Students who spent more than 3 hours daily on social media had significantly lower GPA scores.

However, Perez (2021) argued that moderate social media use particularly for academic collaboration can enhance performance. Her qualitative interviews with 30 high achievers showed that using private group chats for reviewing classwork helped students prepare more effectively.

These studies highlight the dual role of social media: as both a distraction and a learning tool depending on usage patterns and self-discipline.

3. Time Management and Study Habits

A growing number of studies explore how online activity interferes with study routines.

Del Rosario (2022) emphasized that students who frequently engage in late-night scrolling report more irregular sleep cycles, which leads to poor concentration the next day. This finding is relevant to the present research, which focuses on how media habits affect study quality.

Additionally, Tan and Uy (2020) showed that students with poor time management skills are more likely to procrastinate due to smartphone usage. The researchers recommended digital detox strategies and time-blocking methods, which may inform the intervention approach in the current study.

Synthesis and Connection to the Present Study

The reviewed studies collectively show that while social media can support academic learning when used wisely, it more often contributes to procrastination and disrupted study habits.

Most of the studies reviewed used either surveys or interviews to assess behavior patterns justifying the mixed-method approach used in the present study. Furthermore, gaps remain in the local data on senior high school students in rural schools an area this research aims to fill.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

A well-written Review of Related Studies (RRS) helps build the foundation and credibility of your research. To keep your RRS clear, focused, and academically sound, follow these essential dos and don’ts as a quick reference guide.

✅ Dos	❌ Don’ts
Connect each study to your research. Explain how it relates to your topic, variables, or methods.	Don’t include unrelated or off-topic studies. Relevance is key no random sources.
Organize your RRS clearly. Use a logical structure (by theme, variable, or chronology).	Don’t list studies without synthesis. Avoid writing summaries with no analysis or connection.
Synthesize multiple studies. Show patterns, agreements, or contradictions.	Don’t copy and paste abstracts. Always paraphrase in your own words to show understanding.
Use credible and recent sources. Prioritize peer-reviewed works from the last 5–10 years.	Don’t rely on outdated or questionable sources. They weaken your academic credibility.
Balance local and international studies. Include both to strengthen context.	Don’t overuse foreign studies only. Lack of local relevance is a major weakness.
Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, etc.). Format both in-text and references properly.	Don’t mix citation styles or forget references. Consistency matters for professionalism.
Highlight research gaps. Point out what past studies missed this builds your rationale.	Don’t ignore contradictions or missing info. Critical gaps are part of the academic discussion.
Proofread for clarity and flow. Ensure that your ideas connect and that your writing is error-free.	Don’t submit without revision. Grammar and structure errors reduce credibility.

Tips for Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS) is all about proving you know the landscape, then showing exactly where your study fits. Use these practical tips to keep your review focused, relevant, and academically solid.

1. Stick to your scope
   Only include studies that directly relate to your topic, objectives, or variables.
2. Organize by theme, concept, or method
   Group studies are organized logically instead of being listed randomly to create a clear flow.
3. Explain the relevance after every summary
   Show how each study supports your hypothesis, exposes a gap, or informs your methods.
4. Use trusted academic sources
   Prioritize peer‑reviewed journals, university databases, and reputable institutional reports.
5. Balance local and international literature
   Combining both perspectives strengthens the context of your research.
6. Keep it recent
   Focus on work published in the last 5–10 years unless citing a foundational theory.
7. Paraphrase, don’t copy
   Summarize in your own words to demonstrate understanding and avoid plagiarism.
8. Employ smooth transitions
   Use phrases like “in contrast,” “furthermore,” or “building on this” to link ideas.
9. Cite as you write
   Insert in‑text citations immediately to maintain accuracy and consistency.
10. Revise for clarity and coherence
    Read the entire RRS aloud, checking that each paragraph connects back to your research questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Even well-meaning researchers make common mistakes in writing the RRS. These issues weaken your credibility and disconnect your review from your research purpose.

Here’s what to avoid:

1. Unrelated studies – including studies that don’t connect to your topic or variables.
2. Just summarizing – Listing studies without showing relationships, patterns, or contrasts.
3. Outdated sources – Using literature over 10 years old without a valid reason.
4. No local studies – Overlooking relevant research from your own country or region.
5. Copy-pasting – Using the abstract or body of the study word-for-word without paraphrasing.
6. No explanation of relevance – Failing to link each study back to your research questions.
7. Citation issues – Mixing citation styles or formatting references incorrectly.
8. Too many weak studies – Adding studies that are poorly designed, irrelevant, or non-peer-reviewed.
9. Poor flow – Writing without organizing the studies into logical sections or themes.
10. No revision – Submitting a first draft without reviewing for clarity, coherence, or accuracy.

Coming Soon: How to Fix Common Mistakes in Your Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Common Problems in Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Writing the RRS is often one of the most challenging parts of Chapter 2. These are the typical problems that slow students down or lead to low-quality outputs:

1. Too much data – Getting overwhelmed by too many studies with no clear filter.
2. Hard to find local studies – Limited access to region-specific or context-relevant literature.
3. Disconnected reviews – Writing about studies without linking them to the research topic.
4. No synthesis – Failing to analyze or group findings into common themes or trends.
5. Plagiarism – Forgetting to paraphrase or cite properly.
6. One-sided sources – Using only foreign, quantitative, or theoretical studies.
7. Messy citations – Incorrect author names, formatting errors, or missing entries.
8. No structure – Writing in random order without a clear flow or format.
9. Last-minute work – Starting too late and rushing the writing process.
10. Non-scholarly sources – Relying on blogs, websites, or unreviewed content.

Coming Soon: How to Fix Common Problems in Your Review of Related Studies (RRS)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Review of Related Studies (RRS)

These are the most asked questions students and new researchers have when writing the Review of Related Studies section in Chapter 2:

Final Thoughts

Writing the Review of Related Studies (RRS) isn’t just about summarizing what others have written; it’s about positioning your study in the bigger academic picture. A well-crafted RRS proves that your research is informed, relevant, and necessary. When done right, it builds a solid foundation for your entire paper.

Stay focused on your variables, connect the dots between past studies and your own, and always write with purpose. Be critical, be selective, and most importantly, be clear.

Continue Learning: Explore Chapter 2

Now that you’ve learned how to write the Review of Related Studies (RRS), it’s time to see where it fits in the bigger picture of Chapter 2: The Review of Related Literature.

This chapter helps you:

• Connects your study with existing knowledge and previous findings
• Justifies your theoretical and conceptual frameworks
• Identifies the gap your study is aiming to fill
• Builds your credibility as a researcher

What’s Inside Chapter 2?

1. Overview of the Chapter →
2. Theoretical Framework →
3. Conceptual Framework →
4. Review of Related Literature (RRL) →
5. Review of Related Studies (Local & Foreign) →
6. Synthesis of Literature →
7. Research Gap →
8. Summary/Conclusion →

Explore More Research Chapters:

• Chapter 1 → Introduction and Background of the Study
• Chapter 3 → Research design, methodology, and research instruments
• Chapter 4 → Data presentation, interpretation, and analysis of results
• Chapter 5 → Conclusions, major findings, and practical recommendations

Note: We’re not your school’s official research coordinator, but our guides are designed to support and guide your writing process. Always follow your institution’s specific guidelines and formatting requirements.