Final answer:
The literature review in a primarily qualitative study is iterative and occurs throughout the research process as findings emerge and the research focus may shift.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a study driven by a primarily qualitative approach, the literature review process is iterative and takes place at various times during the study as discoveries are made and the focus shifts. Qualitative research is typically more inductive, involving the collection of extensive narrative data through methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of text and media. This approach often requires that the research process be flexible and open-ended, with the researcher returning to the literature repeatedly to understand findings within the context of existing knowledge.
Conducting a literature review is crucial for understanding the landscape of prior research, which includes identifying seminal works and emerging studies. In qualitative sociology, researchers must show awareness of the research already done in the field, often employing case studies, interpretive research, and critical sociology to develop a comprehensive picture of the topic. These studies typically involve direct observation or interaction with subjects and may require researchers to modify their methods as the study progresses, reflecting the iterative nature of the literature review in this context.