Final answer:
A literature review involves a systematic review of other studies on a specific topic, establishing a foundation for new research and ensuring it contributes to the existing body of knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is b) Literature review, which involves a comprehensive and systematic review of other studies about a particular topic of interest. A literature review is an essential part of the research process, helping to establish a foundation for new research by summarizing and synthesizing existing studies. It ensures that the new study is informed by and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Researchers conducting a literature review will pay close attention to the studies they encounter, studying their methodologies, findings, and how they relate to the new research question at hand. This step is crucial for positioning a new research project in the context of what has been done before, highlighting gaps in the existing research, and identifying areas for further exploration.