The previous research needs to be synthesized into a discussion which demonstrates how much is known and the need for what your research adds to this body of knowledge. There are always many ways of looking at a particular issue. The literature review needs to point out what issues have been addressed and what still needs to be done:

• Perhaps previous research in the area has been purely quantitative and your study can add qualitative data or vice versa;

• Perhaps the research has been carried out on a different population and your research can broaden the knowledge base by applying it to a new population;

• Perhaps the research has investigated the issue at a different location and your research provides information as to different environment. It is helpful in finding a gap for your study to detail where all the research in your area has been done so far, eg: x was done in Africa but the situation in Pakistan is not known, x was done in Pakistan but failed to take into consideration what was found in Africa etc. This can create more 'openings' for your research.