One function of a literature review is to:

A literature review serves numerous essential purposes in research, one of which is to identify knowledge gaps. By critically assessing the current body of literature on a specific topic, researchers can determine what has already been studied and where there are still unanswered questions or unexplored areas. This identification is crucial as it not only highlights the significance of the new research but also guides future research directions, allowing scholars to focus on areas that require further investigation or additional empirical data.

The process involves synthesizing existing studies, analyzing trends, and recognizing inconsistencies or limitations in prior research. This comprehensive understanding informs researchers about the broader context of their work and establishes a foundation for advancing knowledge in a particular field. Ultimately, pinpointing these gaps is a critical step in contributing novel insights to the scientific community.