Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature (RRL) often overwhelms students. This guide breaks it down step-by-step, what to include, how to organize your content, and where to find detailed templates, writing tips, and examples.
Table of Contents
What Is the Review of Related Literature (RRL)?
The Review of Related Literature, also called Chapter 2, provides the academic foundation of your research. It presents what has already been studied about your topic, highlights trends, and exposes gaps your study will address. This chapter proves you know the field and that your study is valid and needed.
The RRL helps readers understand:
- What’s already known about the topic
- Where previous studies agree or disagree
- What gaps or problems still exist
- Why your study is important
In short, it connects your research to a larger academic conversation.
Structure of Chapter 2 in Research
A strong Chapter 2 is well-structured and easy to follow. It usually includes the following key parts:
What to Include in Chapter 2:
- Introduction to the Chapter – A brief overview of what will be covered
- Theoretical or Conceptual Framework – The academic lens for your study
- Review of Related Literature – Summary of key studies, theories, and findings
- Synthesis of Literature – Comparison of sources, showing patterns and gaps
- Research Gap – What’s missing in the literature that your study addresses
- Summary of the Chapter – Recap and transition to the next chapter
Including all these ensures a complete and credible review.
Introduction to the Chapter
A short preview paragraph that tells readers what to expect in Chapter 2.
What to Include:
- Overview of the purpose of the RRL
- Brief description of each section to follow
- How this chapter connects to your study
Learn More About:
Coming Soon: Introduction to Chapter 2 ➔
Coming Soon: Why Chapter 2 Matters ➔
Coming Soon: Common Mistakes in RRL Introductions ➔
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
This section outlines the theory or model guiding your research.
What to Include:
- Description of the theory or conceptual model used
- Relevance of the framework to your research
- How the theory helps interpret your findings
Learn More About:
Theoretical Framework Explained ➔
How to Write the Theoretical Framework ➔
Coming Soon: Understanding Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks ➔
Coming Soon: Examples of Research Frameworks ➔
Coming Soon: Common Framework Mistakes to Avoid ➔
Review of Related Literature
This is the heart of Chapter 2. You summarize and discuss previous studies, books, and articles related to your topic.
What to Include:
- Literature organized by themes, topics, or methods
- Overview of key findings and how they relate to your study
- Credible and updated academic sources
Learn More About:
What Is the Importance of RRL in Research ➔
How to Write a Literature Review ➔
Different Types of Literature Review ➔
How to Write an RRL from Scratch ➔
How to Identify Research Gaps in Existing Literature ➔
Paraphrasing Skills for RRL Writing ➔
How to Write a Review Matrix for Your RRL ➔
How to Compare and Contrast Studies in Your RRL (Review of Related Literature) ➔
Difference between RRL and Theoretical Framework ➔
14 Common Mistakes in Writing an RRL and How to Avoid Them ➔
Coming Soon: How to Structure Your Literature Review ➔
Coming Soon: Paraphrasing Tips for RRL ➔
Coming Soon: Examples of Thematic Literature Reviews ➔
Review of Related Studies
This section focuses specifically on summarizing past research studies, both local and international, that are directly relevant to your topic. These studies help build the foundation for your work by showing what has already been done, what gaps still exist, and how your study fits into the bigger picture.
What to Include in This Section:
1. Local Studies
- Summarize research conducted within your country, region, or institution.
- Prioritize similar topics, populations, or methods.
- Emphasize cultural or contextual relevance.
2. Foreign Studies
- Include international research from scholarly journals, theses, or dissertations.
- Show how global perspectives align with or contrast with your context.
- Prioritize peer-reviewed and recent (within the last 5–10 years).
Learn More About:
Review Related Studies Explained ➔
How to write Review Related Studies ➔
Synthesis of Literature
Don’t just summarize – synthesize. This section shows how different studies connect, compare, or contrast.
What to Include:
- Patterns or commonalities in the findings
- Conflicting results or debates
- Gaps and inconsistencies in the literature
Learn More About:
Coming Soon: Writing a Strong Synthesis ➔
Coming Soon: Compare and Contrast Frameworks ➔
Coming Soon: Synthesis Table Samples ➔
Research Gap
Clearly state what’s missing in the literature and how your study will address it.
What to Include:
- Identify missing topics, populations, or perspectives
- Show how your study fills this gap
- Justify the need for your research
Learn More About:
Coming Soon: How to Identify a Research Gap ➔
Coming Soon: Linking Gaps to Research Questions ➔
Coming Soon: Real-World Research Gap Examples ➔
Summary of the Chapter
Wrap up Chapter 2 by reviewing the key takeaways and preparing the reader for Chapter 3: Methodology.
What to Include:
- Recap of major findings and themes
- Reinforce the identified research gap
- Smooth transition to the next chapter
Learn More About:
Coming Soon: How to Write the Chapter 2 Summary ➔
Coming Soon: Writing Chapter Transitions ➔
Coming Soon: Summary vs Synthesis ➔
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the difference between Review and Synthesis?
- How recent should the sources in my RRL be?
- Can I include international and local literature?
- What if I can’t find enough studies?
- Do I need both a theoretical and a conceptual framework?
Tips for Writing Chapter 2
- Be focused: Stick to sources directly relevant to your topic
- Be thematic: Don’t just list sources—group them meaningfully
- Be critical: Highlight what’s missing, not just what’s known
- Be updated: Prioritize recent and peer-reviewed sources
- Be clear: Avoid jargon and explain concepts simply
Related Guides
- How to Paraphrase in RRL Writing: Step-by-Step Guide
- Common Mistakes in Chapter 2 Writing
- How to Align Research Gap with Questions and Framework
- Chapter 3 Writing Guide: Research Methodology Explained
Additional Resources
- Downloadable RRL Outline Template – Structure your review easily
- Sample Thematic Reviews and Syntheses
- Research gap checklist and identification tips
- Video guides on how to evaluate sources
- Reference management tool recommendations
Final Thoughts
Your Chapter 2 is your credibility checkpoint. It shows that your study is grounded in facts, not assumptions. Use this guide as your roadmap—and dive deeper into each section using our linked resources.
Why We Built This Research Guide
We built this guide because many students struggle to write Chapter 2. The process feels scattered, confusing, and often frustrating. We want to fix that.
This guide is a central hub with clear steps, practical tools, and examples. Whether you’re a beginner or returning to research after years, we’re here to support your writing journey.
Note: We’re not your school’s official panel. Always double-check formatting and requirements with your instructor or adviser.
Start Your Research Journey with Confidence
Many students delay writing because they’re unsure where to begin. But now you have a roadmap.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Access writing guides for every chapter
- Use our downloadable checklists and templates
- Learn how to paraphrase and synthesize effectively
- Explore our FAQ and video walkthroughs
- Share this resource with classmates who need help
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