Final answer:
In a research literature review, the least acceptable sentence is the one that states 'The researcher believes that the findings are irrelevant' as it reflects a personal belief without evidence, and does not adhere to the objectivity required in academic writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which sentence would be least acceptable in a research literature review. Option b) 'The researcher believes that the findings are irrelevant' would be the least acceptable because it contains a subjective statement reflecting a personal belief, without presenting evidence or rationale for the claim. It also does not align with the principles of academic writing, which emphasizes objectivity and evidence-based conclusions.
Literature reviews are an essential part of the research process, as they help in understanding what has been previously explored and where there may be gaps in knowledge. It's important for researchers to conduct a thorough literature search to establish the context of their own work and to present this in a way that is backed by existing studies. This groundwork supports the credibility of their research and contributes to the larger scientific dialogue. Mention of conflicting results, comprehensive reviews, or gaps in research are all acceptable and often informative statements in a literature review, provided they are supported with proper citations and context.
Rather than presenting personal beliefs, a literature review should focus on summarizing and interpreting previous research findings, explaining how they relate to the current research question, and identifying areas for future study. Effective literature reviews will show awareness of the research already done in the field and will include proper citations throughout to acknowledge the contributions of previous researchers.