Literature review OUTLINES

writing a point-form outline for a literature review. NOT: A full essay Full paragraphs A research proposal A summary of articles one by one This is a structured blueprint of the final paper. Approximately 2 pages Double-spaced APA formatting preferred but not strict for outline Use headings. Minimum 5 peer-reviewed empirical (experimental past 10 years ) journal articles All must be on the same topic All must report experiments conducted by researchers Do NOT use: Review papers Meta-analyses Theme 1: Methodological Differences Study A used experimental manipulation of X Study B used different measurement method Differences may explain conflicting findings Theme 2: Population Differences Study C examined adolescents Study D examined adults Findings differ by age group Theme 3: Conflicting Findings Study E found significant effect Study F found no effect Possible reasons: sample size, measurement differences At least 5 articles must appear across these themes. 3? CONCLUSION (Point Form Only) Include: Overall pattern in research What the field agrees on What is unclear Gaps in the literature Suggested future research directions Do NOT summarize each article again. Books Opinion articles