How to Perform a Review of Related Literature for Chapter 2 of an Education Doctoral Dissertation

How to perform a review of Related Literature for Chapter 2 of an education doctoral dissertation. The Review of Related Literature (RRL) in Chapter 2 of an education doctoral dissertation is a critical, structured examination of existing research on teaching, learning, policy, leadership, or educational practice. It is more than a summary of studies—it is an analytical and thematic synthesis that builds the scholarly foundation for your research problem.

In education research, the literature review explains what is already known about a topic such as student learning, instructional strategies, curriculum design, or educational leadership—and identifies what still needs to be studied.

What Is the Literature Review in an Education Dissertation?

The literature review is a comprehensive and organized discussion of existing educational research related to your topic.

It:

• Summarizes relevant educational studies

• Compares findings across research

• Identifies trends in teaching and learning

• Highlights gaps in educational practice or research

• Connects studies to theories of learning and instruction

In simple terms, it answers: “What does existing educational research say, and what is still missing?”

Why Is the Literature Review Important in Education Research?

A strong Chapter 2 literature review helps you:

• Demonstrate knowledge of educational theory and research

• Justify your research problem

• Identify gaps in teaching and learning literature

• Connect your study to educational frameworks

• Support your research questions or hypotheses

• Strengthen the academic credibility of your dissertation

Without a strong literature review, your study lacks educational context and justification.

Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Literature Review in Education

Step 1: Clearly Define Your Education Research Topic

Start by identifying:

• Your educational issue (e.g., student engagement, literacy, leadership)

• Target population (e.g., K–12 students, higher education learners, teachers)

• Educational setting (e.g., online learning, classrooms, schools)

• Key variables (e.g., achievement, motivation, instruction)

A clearly defined topic ensures your literature review stays focused and relevant.

Step 2: Search for Credible Educational Research Sources

Use academic databases such as:

• ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)

• Google Scholar

• JSTOR

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

• Educational journals (e.g., Journal of Educational Research, Teaching and Teacher Education)

Prioritize:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles

• Empirical studies

• Meta-analyses and systematic reviews

• Foundational educational theories

Avoid non-academic or opinion-based sources.

Step 3: Select High-Quality and Relevant Studies

Choose studies that are:

• Recent (typically within 5–10 years, unless foundational)

• Relevant to your educational problem

• Methodologically sound

• Published in reputable journals or academic sources

Also include key educational theories such as:

• Constructivist Learning Theory

• Social Learning Theory

• Transformative Learning Theory

• Andragogy (Adult Learning Theory)

Step 4: Organize Literature Into Educational Themes

Do not summarize studies one by one. Instead, group them into themes.

Common education literature themes include:

• Teaching strategies and pedagogy

• Student engagement and motivation

• Curriculum development

• Educational leadership and policy

• Technology in education (e-learning, blended learning)

• Assessment and evaluation practices

Thematic organization creates clarity and structure.

Step 5: Critically Analyze the Literature (Not Just Summarize)

A strong education literature review is analytical, not descriptive.

Instead of:

“Jones (2022) found that technology improves learning outcomes.”

Write:

“Jones (2022) found that technology improves learning outcomes; however, the study focused only on urban schools, limiting its applicability to rural educational settings.”

You should:

• Compare studies

• Evaluate methods

• Identify limitations

• Highlight contradictions

• Discuss implications for education practice

Step 6: Identify Gaps in Educational Research

A key purpose of Chapter 2 is identifying what is missing in the literature.

Common gaps in education include:

• Lack of research in specific school levels or populations

• Limited studies in rural or underserved communities

• Overreliance on standardized test data

• Limited qualitative research on student experiences

• Gaps in online or hybrid learning environments

Example:

“While extensive research exists on student engagement in traditional classrooms, fewer studies have explored engagement in fully online K–12 learning environments.”

Step 7: Connect Literature to Educational Theories

Education dissertations rely heavily on learning theories.

Explain how:

• Theories explain learning behavior

• Research supports or challenges theoretical models

• Theory guides interpretation of educational practices

Examples include:

• Constructivism (learning through experience)

• Social Learning Theory (learning through observation)

• Transformative Learning Theory (critical reflection and change)

Example:

“Constructivist Learning Theory supports the idea that students actively construct knowledge through interaction, which aligns with findings from studies on collaborative learning environments.”

Step 8: Synthesize Educational Research

Synthesis means combining research findings to show patterns.

Instead of listing studies, show:

• Trends in education research

• Agreements and disagreements

• Changes over time in educational practices

• Common instructional outcomes

Example:

“Overall, research indicates that student engagement improves when active learning strategies are used, although results vary depending on subject area and instructional context.”

Step 9: Conclude Chapter 2 Effectively

End your literature review by:

• Summarizing key findings

• Highlighting gaps in education research

• Connecting to your study purpose

• Transitioning to Chapter 3 (Methodology)

Example:

“The literature suggests a need for further research on student engagement in online learning environments, particularly at the undergraduate level. Chapter 3 outlines the methodology used to address this gap.”

Structure of a Strong Education Literature Review (Chapter 2)

A typical structure includes:

1. Introduction to Chapter 2

2. Theoretical framework

3. Thematic literature review sections

4. Critical analysis and synthesis

5. Identification of research gaps

6. Summary and transition to methodology

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Education doctoral students often make mistakes such as:

• Simply summarizing studies instead of analyzing them

• Failing to organize literature into themes

• Ignoring educational theory

• Using outdated or irrelevant sources

• Not identifying research gaps

• Writing disconnected sections

A strong literature review must be critical, structured, and thematic.

Tips for a Strong Education Literature Review

• Organize research by themes, not authors

• Use peer-reviewed educational sources

• Critically analyze all studies

• Clearly identify gaps in education research

• Connect findings to learning theories

• Maintain logical flow and structure

Final Thoughts on How to Perform a Review of Related Literature for Chapter 2 of an Education Doctoral Dissertation

Performing a literature review for an education doctoral dissertation requires careful selection, organization, and critical analysis of educational research. A strong Chapter 2 builds the foundation for your study by showing what is already known in education and what still needs to be explored.

A well-written literature review demonstrates your understanding of teaching, learning, and educational research while clearly justifying your study.

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