In this assignment we are going to begin building a literature review essay.
This assignment involves conducting a literature search and creating an outline with an attached reference page. Proceed by following these steps.
1. Literature Search:
Utilize resources from the Langston Hughes Memorial Library/A-Z list, specifically focusing on the Academic Search Ultimate database link. It is the first link on this page. https://libguides.lincoln.edu/az.phpLinks to an external site.
Identify and select 10 peer-reviewed articles that align with your research topic.
2. Create a Reference Page:
Create a separate page with all articles listed adhering to APA format guidelines, as outlined here. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.htmlLinks to an external site.
Here are a few examples of a reference page in APA format. https://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/apa-sampleLinks to an external site.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/apa-reference-page.htmlLinks to an external site.
3. Download Articles:
Download each article in PDF format to a designated folder on your computer.
Skim each article by reviewing the abstract to ensure alignment with your research topic. Additionally, review the structure of each article’s literature review by examining subheadings. Record a few of the subheadings of each article and then try to organize the articles you’ve gathered into three overarching themes. Your literature review outline should look like the following.
4.Create Literature Review Outline:
Introduction
Provide an overview of the investigated topic and its significance to the field.
Offer a broad perspective on existing literature.
Present a thesis or argument statement, emphasizing the importance of exploring the topic and identifying major themes.
Theme A/Subtopic A
Create a topic sentence about Theme A and then list the studies that could be organized under that theme.
List Study 1:
Write one or two sentences about the study, including research question(s), methods, participants, or related findings.
For instance, in a qualitative study exploring the academic experiences of Latino high school students, Campos (2016) discovered unique aspects influenced by their suburban neighborhood location. Through in-depth interviews, Campos determined that…
List Study 2:
Write one or two sentences about the study.
List study 3:
Write one or two sentences about the study.
Etc.
Repeat the format above for subsequent studies that fall under Theme B/Subtopic B and Theme C/Subtopic C.
Theme B/Subtopic B (follow same format above)
Theme C/Subtopic C (follow same format above)
Conclusion
Write a conclusion evaluating and/or critiquing the existing literature.
Address questions such as:
What contributions does this literature make to the field?
Identify overall strengths and weaknesses.
Discuss potential gaps or omissions.
Propose next steps for research, explicitly addressing how to address strengths, weaknesses, and gaps.
Reference Page
Include reference page in APA format, listing all 10 peer-reviewed articles.
By adhering to these steps, you will methodically structure your literature review. As the course progresses, you will subsequently complete this outline and compose your literature review essay.
Some examples of literature reviews can be found at https://libguides.uwf.edu/c.php?g=215199&p=1420828(Links to an external site.)