literature review sample apa format

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Literature Review: Conducting & Writing

• Sample Literature Reviews
• Steps for Conducting a Lit Review
• Finding "The Literature"
• Organizing/Writing
• APA Style This link opens in a new window
• Chicago: Notes Bibliography This link opens in a new window
• MLA Style This link opens in a new window

Sample Lit Reviews from Communication Arts

Have an exemplary literature review.

Note: These are sample literature reviews from a class that were given to us by an instructor when APA 6th edition was still in effect. These were excellent papers from her class, but it does not mean they are perfect or contain no errors. Thanks to the students who let us post!

• Literature Review Sample 1
• Literature Review Sample 2
• Literature Review Sample 3

Have you written a stellar literature review you care to share for teaching purposes?

Are you an instructor who has received an exemplary literature review and have permission from the student to post?

Please contact Britt McGowan at [email protected] for inclusion in this guide. All disciplines welcome and encouraged.

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• Last Updated: Oct 18, 2024 9:43 AM
• URL: https://libguides.uwf.edu/litreview

How to Write a Literature Review: Writing a Literature Review in APA Format

• Writing a Literature Review in APA Format
• Chicago/Turabian Citation Style
• Primary and Secondary Sources
• Basic Research Strategies
• Evaluating Sources
• Using the Library's Ebooks
• Using the Library's Catalog
• Copyright Information
• Contact Information & Feedback

Writing a Literature Review in APA

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• Last Updated: Sep 25, 2023 2:24 PM
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Writing Center Literature Reviews: Literature Reviews

Literature reviews.

A literature review is a summary of published information in a subject area; sometimes limited to a specific time period. Researchers benefit from literature reviews since they provide critical evaluation of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. Oftentimes a literature review will highlight disagreements between different scholars or schools of thought. The following literature review examples are just two types found in scholarly literature and does not reflect the format you may need to produce for your assignment. 

Example: Literature Review in a Standalone Article

A literature review can be a standalone document that provides a survey of current research in a particular field or subject. Notice this entire article is dedicated to reviewing literature on the topic.

Example: Literature Review in Original Research

A literature review may also be located at the beginning of an original research article. Notice this article's literature review is located only in the beginning of the article before the Methodology section.

Literature Review

Literature review provides a narrative summary and evaluation of the findings or theories within a literature base. The literature base may include qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research. Literature reviews capture trends in the literature. 

When writing a literature review, here are some things to consider

Consider what the assignment prompt is asking you to highlight within your literature review. 

Is it part of a research paper (usually found after the introduction) or

Are you asked to summarize previous literature to inform readers of the state of the research?

You may need to identify relations, contradictions, gaps, and inconsistencies in the literature.

Parts of a literature review may include: 

An Introduction, Body, & Conclusion.

A literature review may be organized 

Chronological - to identify the development of the topic

Thematic - grouping research on the basis of similarity in the topic and concepts. 

Methodological - if you are pulling together information from various fields that use different research methods. 

Theoretical - in order to discuss different theories, models, and key concepts. 

• Last Updated: Apr 23, 2024 10:10 AM
• URL: https://csuglobal.libguides.com/lit_reviews

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Types of APA Papers

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Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

There are two common types of papers written in fields using APA Style: the literature review and the experimental report. Each has unique requirements concerning the sections that must be included in the paper.

Literature review

A literature review is a critical summary of what the scientific literature says about your specific topic or question. Often student research in APA fields falls into this category. Your professor might ask you to write this kind of paper to demonstrate your familiarity with work in the field pertinent to the research you hope to conduct.

A literature review typically contains the following sections:

• Introduction section
• List of references

Some instructors may also want you to write an abstract for a literature review, so be sure to check with them when given an assignment. Also, the length of a literature review and the required number of sources will vary based on course and instructor preferences.

NOTE: A literature review and an annotated bibliography are not synonymous. If you are asked to write an annotated bibliography, you should consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the APA Format for Annotated Bibliographies.

Experimental report

In many of the social sciences, you will be asked to design and conduct your own experimental research. If so, you will need to write up your paper using a structure that is more complex than that used for just a literature review. We have a complete resource devoted to writing an experimental report in the field of psychology here .

This structure follows the scientific method, but it also makes your paper easier to follow by providing those familiar cues that help your reader efficiently scan your information for:

• Why the topic is important (covered in your introduction)
• What the problem is (also covered in your introduction)
• What you did to try to solve the problem (covered in your methods section)
• What you found (covered in your results section)
• What you think your findings mean (covered in your discussion section)

Thus an experimental report typically includes the following sections.

• Introduction
• Appendices(if necessary)
• Tables and/or figures (if necessary)

Make sure to check the guidelines for your assignment or any guidelines that have been given to you by an editor of a journal before you submit a manuscript containing the sections listed above.

As with the literature review, the length of this report may vary by course or by journal, but most often it will be determined by the scope of the research conducted.

Other papers

If you are writing a paper that fits neither of these categories, follow the guidelines about General Format , consult your instructor, or look up advice in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association .

When submitting a manuscript to a journal, make sure you follow the guidelines described in the submission policies of that publication, and include as many sections as you think are applicable to presenting your material. Remember to keep your audience in mind as you are making this decision. If certain information is particularly pertinent for conveying your research, then ensure that there is a section of your paper that adequately addresses that information.

APA Literature Review

Ai generator.

The realm of academia thrives on knowledge expansion, and a crucial element in this quest is the literature review. Whether it be delving into an extensive body of research, analyzing a book or article, or comprehending a research paper format , the literature review serves as a cornerstone for scholarly pursuits. In this article, we explore the intricacies of an APA literature review, providing a step-by-step guide on how to craft one effectively. Let us embark on this enlightening journey, acquainting ourselves with the vital aspects of citation, in-text citation, and the construction of a reference list. Along the way, we will answer three frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive in!

1. Literature Review Template

• Google Docs

2. APA Literature Review

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3. Instruction for APA Style Literature Review

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4. APA Style Literature Review

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5. Sections of APA Literature Review

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6. APA Paper Literature Review

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7. APA Style Literature Review Example

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8. Types of APA Paper Literature Review

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9. Sociology APA Literature Review

10. APA Writing Style and Language Literature Review

Size: 269 KB

11. APA Literature Review in Psychology

Size: 454 KB

12. APA Literature Review Format

13. APA Style Literature Review Guidelines

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14. APA Annotated Bibliography Literature Review

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15. APA Literature Review Guidelines

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16. APA Literature Review Citation

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17. APA Literature Review Action Research Proposal

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18. APA 6th Edition Literature Review

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19. APA Writing Literature Review

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20. APA Contextual Literature Review

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What is an APA Literature Review?

An APA literature review encapsulates a systematic examination and synthesis of scholarly sources relevant to a specific research topic. It serves to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge, identify gaps in research, and present a theoretical foundation for further investigation. Distinct from a book review or an article review that focuses on analyzing a single publication, a literature review involves an in-depth exploration of a broad range of sources. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA), this review ensures clarity, consistency, and credibility throughout the process.

How to Write an APA Literature Review

Embarking on the journey of crafting an APA literature review requires careful planning and meticulous execution. By following these steps, you can streamline your writing process and ensure a cohesive and comprehensive review.

Select a Topic:

Begin by choosing a research topic that aligns with your area of interest or academic requirements. This topic should be broad enough to provide an adequate range of relevant sources but specific enough to maintain focus.

Gather Relevant Literature:

Conduct a thorough search of scholarly databases, libraries, and academic journals to collect a diverse array of sources that contribute to your topic. Evaluate the quality and relevance of each source to ensure credibility and significance.

Read and Analyze:

Engage critically with each selected source, comprehending the key arguments, methodologies, and findings presented. Take diligent notes and identify common themes or gaps in the existing literature to guide the structure of your review.

Organize Your Thoughts:

Create an outline to organize your literature review effectively. Arrange the sources thematically or chronologically to present a logical flow of information. Introduce each section with an informative heading to guide the reader.

Compose the Review:

Begin writing your literature review by providing an engaging introduction that highlights the importance of the topic and presents the scope of your review. Subsequently, present the findings from each source, critically evaluating the methodologies, results, and implications. Use appropriate in-text citations to acknowledge the authors and support your claims.

Conclude with Insight:

Wrap up your literature review with a well-crafted conclusion that summarizes the main findings, identifies research gaps, and suggests avenues for future investigation. Reinforce the significance of your review and its contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

What is the difference between a literature review and a book review?

A literature review examines a range of scholarly sources on a specific topic, while a book review focuses on analyzing a single publication, typically for the purpose of providing a critique or evaluation.

Do I need to include all the sources I find in my literature review?

No, it is crucial to evaluate the quality and relevance of each source. Include sources that contribute significantly to your research topic and present diverse perspectives.

How can I format the reference list in APA style?

The APA style requires a specific format for the reference list. To ensure accuracy, you can check out 9+ reference list examples here , which demonstrate how to cite different types of sources in APA format.

The journey of crafting an APA literature review demands meticulous research, critical analysis, and skillful presentation. By immersing yourself in the vast sea of literature, navigating the intricacies of citation and in-text citation , and adhering to the guidelines set forth by APA, you can construct a compelling review that contributes to the scholarly discourse. So, let your words breathe life into the existing body of knowledge, igniting the curiosity of readers and propelling the pursuit of wisdom forward. Happy reviewing!

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Exercise Science Research Guide

• Brainstorming for a topic....
• Your Research Question
• Find Research (Databases)
• Physical Therapy Journals
• Sports Medicine Journals
• Exercise Science Journals
• Accessing Articles on the Web with LibKey
• Using the "Find It" Button for Articles
• Linking to Google Scholar
• Interlibrary Loan
• EndNote x9 This link opens in a new window
• EndNote Web/Online This link opens in a new window
• Importing Citations
• Create Annotated Bibliography with Endnote basic/web/online
• Literature Review Example / APA Examples & Tools

Literature Review Examples

• Literature Review Example Paper
• STRATEGIES FOR WRITING THE LITERATURE REVIEW
• Writing a Literature Review

APA Paper Templates & Examples

• APA Word Template Pages / Sections
• APA Style 7th Edition Word Template YOU MUST ADD Page Numbers to this TEMPLATE. See below link/video
• Adding Page Numbers to APA Word Template
• APA Style Paper 7th Edition with Appendices
• Purdue Owl Sample APA 7th Edition Student Paper Includes Appendix example.
• APA Academic Writer Platform

Creating a Microsoft Word APA Template

Above i have given you the links to where word offers apa templates and examples. some students like to create their own custom templates that you can modify as needed. here are the steps., setting times new roman 12 as default font for all word documents.

• Make sure you are at the default  Home  tab of Word
• In the  Font  box, change your font to  Times New Roman 12
• Click the bottom right-hand pull-down arrow on the Font box
• Click  Set as Default
• Change the selection to  All documents based on the Normal.dotm template
• Select  OK  (screenshot below)

Setting up Double Spacing

• Click the bottom right-hand pull-down arrow on the  Paragraph box
• In the  Spacing  area make sure that  Before  and  After  are set at  0 pt
• For  Line Spacing  select  Double
• Check  Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style  (screenshot below)
• *If you want to make this the default for all Word documents, then click on  Set as Default > All documents based on the Normal.dotm template > OK

Setting up Margins

• Switch from Word's  Home  tab to  Layout
• Select  Margins > Normal . Normal should be 1 inch all around.
• Once again, you can set this as your default by clicking on the right-hand pull-down arrow on the  Page Setup  box and going through steps for creating default settings

Turning on Page Numbers

• Go to Word's  Insert  tab
• Select  Page Number , found in the  Header & Footer  box
• For  Page Number , select  Top of Page > Plain number 3
• Double click outside of the header region  to get back into your paper body

Title Page Setup

• Page numbers do start on the title page, so that should be fine
• The title of your paper should start on the 3 or 4th line of text, so with your double spacing, hit  Enter 3 - 4 times
• Your title should be  Centered ,  Bold , and it should be in  Title Case  - meaning capitalize words like you normally would for a title
• Hit  Enter twice after the title  - there should be a blank line between your title and your name. Enter the needed information for your title page. See the  Purdue Owl's Sample Student Paper

Purdue Owl Sample APA 7th Edition Student Paper

After your last entry on the title page, hit  Enter  a couple of times, being sure to still be on the first page, and then hit  Insert > Page Break , and you should be taken to the 2nd page where your paper's text starts 

First Page and Subsequent Pages of Paper's Text

• On page 2, where the text of your paper starts, enter your paper's title again, and make it  Bold  and  Centered
• Begin writing your paper! Your first paragraph starts directly below the title, there is no header after the title as this is by default where your introduction goes. Each paragraph has a standard 1 inch indent, which is the default when you hit  Tab
• In the body of your paper you'll start adding  Headings . Refer to the linked sources below for assistance with creating needed headings 
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Literature Review

• Steps for Conducting a Lit Review
• Finding "The Literature"
• Organizing/Writing
• Sample Literature Reviews
• FAMU Writing Center

APA 6th Edition

• Purdue OWL Purdue University Online Writing Lab
• The Writer's Handbook APA documentation guide from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Many Social Science disciplines use APA format for citing sources.  The most recent guide is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 6th Edition.  See our additional page to format in-text or parenthetical citations.  

The following examples of the most commons types of citations are adapted from the 6th edition (2010) of the APA manual.  For additional examples, consult chapter 7 (pages 193-224) of the APA Manual or browse the APA Style online guide at http://www.apastyle.org/index.aspx  

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• Last Updated: Oct 20, 2022 11:24 AM
• URL: https://library.famu.edu/literaturereview