Which step in sociological research involves analyzing existing studies and theories to inform your own research design, particularly when conducting field studies?

In sociological research, the step that involves analyzing existing studies and theories is called the literature review. This is where researchers look at what others have already discovered about a topic to gain insights and understand the context of their own study. By reviewing these studies, researchers can identify gaps in knowledge, see what methods were effective, and find theoretical frameworks that might guide their work. For example, if someone is researching how social media affects friendships, they would look at previous studies on social media and relationships to shape their own research questions and methods. This helps ensure that their research builds on what is already known, making it more relevant and robust.