What is the purpose of a literature review in a PRPA report?

The purpose of a literature review in a PRPA report is fundamentally to summarize existing research and provide background context. This involves examining and synthesizing a wide array of scholarly articles, reports, and relevant studies that pertain to the topic at hand. By doing so, the literature review establishes a framework for the current research, identifies existing gaps in knowledge, and situates new findings within the larger body of work. This contextual knowledge is crucial as it helps the reader understand the significance of the research question being addressed and the relevance of the findings presented in the report.

Gathering and summarizing previous research allows the report to build upon established knowledge and offers a comprehensive overview of what is already known, thereby guiding future research directions. This makes it a critical component of any academic or professional report, including PRPA reports, as it upholds the integrity and depth of the research being conducted.

While critiques of past methodologies can be beneficial in a literature review, the primary focus remains on summarizing and contextualizing existing research. Personal opinions and unrelated analyses do not fit the scholarly and objective nature of a literature review, as they would detract from the credibility and scholarly rigor required in PRPA reporting.