Critical Literature Review: A Theoretical Framework Based on Phenomenology and Critical Thinking

Though literature reviews are vital to research, the field suffers from conceptual ambiguity and a lack of standardized methodologies for conducting them. Critical literature reviews, which foreground in-depth and objective re-evaluation of existing research, are especially important to the advancement of knowledge. This approach requires reviewers to possess rigorous critical thinking skills and methods to ensure objective and impartial evaluations. Grounded in phenomenology as its theoretical foundation and critical thinking as its methodology, this article proposes an operational framework for conducting critical literature reviews. This framework encompasses key processes such as literature screening, the application of phenomenological methods, and the integration of review findings. Compared to traditional approaches, critical literature reviews can more effectively reveal the deeper implications of research literature, provide a more nuanced analysis of research problems, and contribute more significantly to knowledge innovation. This approach offers new perspectives and robust support for educational research, promoting its further development. The value of critical literature reviews becomes even more pronounced in the context of the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence technologies. Critical literature reviews can help researchers break free from pre-existing assumptions and biases, develop accurate and insightful interpretations of research findings, and conduct well-founded critiques. This approach avoids arbitrariness and ensures objective evaluations, thereby enhancing the quality of educational research and promoting academic progress.