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To see what has and has not been investigated.
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To identify data sources that other researchers have used.
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To learn how others have defined and measured key concepts.
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To put your work in perspective.
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To contribute to the field by moving research forward. Reviewing the literature lets you see what came before, and what did and didn't work for other researchers.
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To demonstrate your understanding, and your ability to critically evaluate research in the field.
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To provide evidence that may be used to support your own findings.