How to use a literature review to understand the research progress of a discipline?

A literature review systematically gathers, evaluates, and synthesizes existing scholarly publications to map the current state of knowledge within a discipline. It provides a foundational understanding of the key developments, prominent theories, methodologies, unresolved questions, and emerging trends in a field. To effectively use a literature review for this purpose, actively engage in critical analysis rather than passive summarization. Identify major themes, schools of thought, chronological progression, and seminal works. Crucially, analyze the interconnections between studies, recognize areas of consensus, pinpoint significant controversies or knowledge gaps, and note the most influential researchers and institutions. Focus on high-impact sources like peer-reviewed journals, seminal books, and influential conference proceedings relevant to the specific subfield or research question of interest. This analysis reveals the trajectory of research, highlights validated findings, and exposes areas needing further exploration. By understanding what is known, how it was established, and what remains contested or unexplored, researchers can position their own work effectively, contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations, identify novel research questions, and avoid redundant efforts, ultimately guiding future investigation and ensuring timely contributions.