Literature Review min:1500words

This literature review is different from an annotated bibliography, which is a listing of articles with descriptions. A critical review is not a string of summaries, it is a synthesized review. In other words, students do not simply write a short review of each research study, but tie the research studies together into a “story” or “conversation.”.

This process requires some insight and interpretation, not evaluation. Keep in mind that personal opinions are not included in a literature review.

Report what is relevant to your study and ignore what is not. This means you need to read the abstract, the introduction and conclusion of your articles. And, for long articles, focus on the parts that relate to your topic.

**At the end of the literature review, you will also need to write a two-paragraph summary of what you have learned about the topic from the three articles. This includes critique and reflection about the “story,” not the individual articles.**

Avoid long quotes in your review, and paraphrase whenever possible.

Maximum quotes = 2 short quotes (less than 40 words each).

Do not quote/cite secondary sources in the readings

Correct APA formatting is also required – double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins all around, APA in-text citations and a reference page. Run spelling and grammar checks and double-check your APA formatting. Be sure to CITE your sources throughout the review.

Grading Rubric 

Short Literature Reviews will be graded according to the following criteria:

1. Content and Development (Total points: 60)

2. Paper adequately synthesizes the key ideas and conclusions from the three articles and puts them in conversation with one another: 60 Points

3. Mechanics and Style (Total points: 40)

4. APA rules of spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed: 30 Points

5. Sentences are complete, clear, and concise, and the tone is appropriate to the content and assignment: 10 Points

Format

· Title page

· Abstract

· Body of paper

· Unlike the article summary, do NOT include Methods or Results sections

· Instead, organize the paper thematically in a way that synthesizes the articles

· We recommend using subheadings to organize your paper

· Conclusion (2 paragraphs in which you reflect on the overall “story”)

· What did you learn about the topic from the three articles?

· What are some directions for future research moving forward?

· References

· Make sure your review meets the1,500 words minimum

· Use present tense for abstract and conclusion, and past tense for main body of your paper

· Focus on the abstracts, introductions and conclusions of your articles, since that’s where a lot of the key information will be!

· While it’s okay to communicate a general idea about the methods used in each article, avoid discussing methodology in great detail

· Do not write “mini-summaries” of each article – your goal is to put the articles in conversation with each other

Formatting • 1,500 word minimum • Similarity score should be less than 20% • Running header accurately summarizes your paper’s title and is formatted correctly • Headings, font, page numbers, margins, and spacing follow assignment guidelines • Provide an abstract and two-paragraph conclusion; use the present tense in your abstract and conclusion, and the past tense for the main body of your paper • Spelling, grammar, and punctuation meet APA guidelines • Numbers greater than nine should be written as numerals; however, if a number is beginning a sentence, it should be written in full (e.g., “Eighty students participated in the study” instead of “80 students participated in the study”) Writing Style and Content • Avoid passive voice • Use precise language – instead of saying “they” or “the study,” name the authors directly • Avoid broad, unsubstantiated claims and personal opinions • Write for a general audience – don’t get overly technical, but don’t leave out any crucial details, either! • It’s okay to communicate a general idea about the methods used in each article, avoid discussing methodology in great detail • Do not write in the first person (“I”) or second person (“you”) • Do not provide a “results” section and do not write “mini-summaries” of each article. Instead, put the articles in conversation with each other by discussing the themes that exist among your articles. Consider using subheadings to convey these commonalities across findings (e.g., "Support as a Protective Factor"; Cultural & Familial Factors"; "Education in Preventing Suicide") Citations and References • In-text citations and reference page follow APA guidelines (refer to Canvas resources or OWL Purdue) • Only cite your three articles, and don’t cite from their references • Whenever you paraphrase, make sure to cite your source(s) in that same paragraph