What research technique is characterized by reviewing existing literature on a specific issue?

The correct answer is indeed a Literature Review. This research technique involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing existing research and scholarly articles related to a specific topic or issue. A Literature Review allows researchers to highlight what has already been studied, identify gaps in knowledge, and provide a theoretical framework for new research.

By leveraging previous studies, researchers can establish a context for their work and demonstrate how their research contributes to or challenges existing understanding. This technique is vital in forming a basis for further exploration and is integral in fields like Community and Family Studies, where understanding prior findings can enhance new studies in real-world applications.

In contrast, a Case Study focuses on an in-depth examination of a particular instance, event, or individual, which may not represent a broader issue covered in existing literature. Observation involves systematically watching and recording behaviors or events as they occur, while a Survey collects quantitative and qualitative data from a population or sample through questionnaires or interviews. Each of these methods serves different research purposes and functionalities, reinforcing why the Literature Review is distinctive in its emphasis on existing work as a foundational component of research advancement.