The next step is to determine how much we know about the variables and relationships identified in the conceptual framework and the questions.  The typical format for this discussion is a literature review.  The literature review outlines, discusses and analyzes the existing research findings.  At this point (the prospectus) the objective is to simply identify the main contributors to the topic and the key theories that are involved. Keep this very short!

One of the first steps after the prospectus is a “full-blown” review of the literature. This review should concisely describe and discussion what we already know about the variables and relationships identified in your research questions and conceptual framework. I have found that there are five steps to developing a literature review:

1. 1.Create an outline of the lit review and let your mentor (dissertation chair) review it as you start to collect and analyze the literature. 
   

2. 2.Then as you read the journal articles, dissertations, etc. create an annotated bibliography.
   

3. 3.Then you can use tables (I use excel for this) to create matrices in order to analyze the various findings.
   

4. 4.Then you can develop a more detailed outline based on the analysis of the matrices.
   

5. 5.Then and only then will you be ready to write "pretty" paragraphs.
   

If you send your mentor (committee chair) each component as you complete it, your mentor can give you feedback along the way. Of course don't wait for the feedback to get going on to the next step. 

Level of Existing Knowledge

Based on the literature review determine the current level of empirical knowledge on the topic.  The level of knowledge will drive two decisions - the applicability of hypotheses and the selection of an overall research approach. While all research studies have questions - all studies do not include hypotheses. The level of existing empirical knowledge will determine whether a hypothesis is appropriate. A hypothesis is not a wild guess - it is a logical conclusion based on the previous research findings identified here in the literature review. A hypothesis is the predicted answer to a research question. The level of existing knowledge and the decision to include or not include hypotheses will drive the appropriate overall research approach.

Examples

For examples of literature reviews check out Chapter 2 in the example dissertations - Example Dissertations

   

Align and Integrate

1. The literature review should provide a clear understanding of the level of empirical knowledge that currently exists. This level of knowledge is a key input to the selection of an overall approach.

2. The literature review should identify what we already know about the variables, relationships, and context identified in the research questions.

3. As with all the components of the research methodology the literature review should address the variables, relationships, context, etc. identified in the conceptual framework.

Once the literature review is complete the conceptual framework should be revised (as necessary) based on new insights gained from the analysis of the literature and previous research findings.