Toward a Practice of Qualitative Methodological Literature Reviewing

Abstract

There is consensus around the value of conducting literature reviews across disciplines; however, little attention has been given to the potential(s) of engaging in a qualitative methodological literature review (QMLR). This article examines the possibilities of engaging in a QMLR by showing how it can inform qualitative research practice. After overviewing the history of literature reviews, we offer a series of questions that can inform and be integrated into a QMLR. We then demonstrate how such reviews can serve as an opportunity for qualitative inquirers to critically engage with the methodological literature with the intent of better understanding, enacting, and generating new methodological practices.