Literature Review Functions in an Empirical Article: Between Research Logic and Genre Convention

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of whether it is advisable to include a literature review in a manuscript reporting original empirical research. It is noted that, in academic practice, the review is often perceived as a mandatory genre component; however, its functional relevance depends on the research objective and the overall architecture of the article. Based on an analysis of the rhetorical functions of the literature review as a structural element of empirical research papers, the study demonstrates that it plays a critical role when there is a need to establish a theoretical context, justify a research niche, or formulate a well-grounded research question. The literature review becomes an effective argumentative tool when it is thematically organized, analytically rich, and integrated into the logical structure of the manuscript. The author illustrates the distinctions between the introduction, the literature review, and the theoretical framework. The conclusion provides practical recommendations for authors on how to assess the necessity of including a Literature Review section in their manuscripts. The article is intended for researchers, journal editors, and instructors of academic writing.