A completed literature review with a thesis proposal?

Why is it necessary or required to submit a completed literature review with a proposal? I realize that this is expected to be included...typically Chapter 2 of the first three chapters that make up a proposal...but why? Wouldn't it make more sense to simply do a basic lit review at the proposal stage and then a thorough one once the final thesis is written?

A complete literature review is indeed a critical element of a thesis proposal. The primary reason that you believe it does not seem necessary at this stage could be that you do not fully understand the actual purpose of a literature review in this context.

Remember, the literature review is not designed to be your primary research, but is intended to be a means to allow a reader to understand the problem area you have selected for research as well as the theoretical models, findings, methodologies, and measurement techniques that have been used in previous research related to yours.

Additionally, you may be able to add to the review, if necessary, following the completion of your primary and secondary research.

In other words, your review of the literature is supposed to show that you understand how your project fits into the grand scheme of things in your subject area. Any related research that has been conducted in the past will allow you to identify where there are gaps or unanswered questions that your efforts will seek to fill or answer. This obviously needs to be completed at the proposal stage.

To put it simply, through your proposal, you are expected to reveal your competency in the subject matter as well as your ability to explain how your research will benefit the target population.

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Thank you, that helps a lot. I'll post more questions soon.

I wanted to let you know my instructor appreciated my plan to do the literature review (and I followed your hints :). Thank you.

Yes, the lit review is necessary in order to show that there is a need for your proposed work, and to show how it will fit with existing work...

Good luck!!!!!!!