What’s Included: Literature Review Template
This template is structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The literature review template includes the following sections:
- Before you start – essential groundwork to ensure you’re ready
- The introduction section
- The core/body section
- The conclusion /summary
- Extra free resources
Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover. We’ve also included practical examples and links to more free videos and guides to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.
The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.
PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .
FAQs: Literature Review Template
What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).
The literature review chapter template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.
What types of literature reviews can this template be used for?
The template follows the standard format for academic literature reviews, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of academic research projects (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.
Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the literature review chapter will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalize your structure.
Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?
This template can be used for a literature review at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the literature review to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.
Can I modify the template to suit my topic/area?
Absolutely. While the template provides a general structure, you should adapt it to fit the specific requirements and focus of your literature review.
What structural style does this literature review template use?
The template assumes a thematic structure (as opposed to a chronological or methodological structure), as this is the most common approach. However, this is only one dimension of the template, so it will still be useful if you are adopting a different structure.
Does this template include the Excel literature catalog?
No, that is a separate template, which you can download for free here . This template is for the write-up of the actual literature review chapter, whereas the catalog is for use during the literature sourcing and sorting phase.
How long should the literature review chapter be?
This depends on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, literature reviews for Masters-level projects are usually 2,000 – 3,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects can reach multiples of this.
Can I include literature that contradicts my hypothesis?
Yes, it’s important to acknowledge and discuss literature that presents different viewpoints or contradicts your hypothesis. So, don’t shy away from existing research that takes an opposing view to yours.
How do I avoid plagiarism in my literature review?
Always cite your sources correctly and paraphrase ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. You can always check our plagiarism score before submitting your work to help ease your mind.
Do you have an example of a populated template?
We provide a walkthrough of the template and review an example of a high-quality literature research chapter here .
Can I share this literature review template with my friends/colleagues?
Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.
Do you have templates for the other dissertation/thesis chapters?
Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here .
Can Grad Coach help me with my literature review?
Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services , where we can help you work through the literature review chapter (and any other chapters).
Systematic review
- How we can help
- What is a systematic review?
- Should I conduct a systematic review or a scoping review?
- How do I develop a research question for systematic review?
- Checking for existing systematic reviews
- Do I need to register a protocol?
- What sources should I search?
- How do I develop a search strategy?
- How can I evaluate the quality of my search strategy?
- How can I record my search strategy?
- How can I manage the research?
- How can I find and connect to full-text articles?
- Recommended reading
If you are a staff member or PhD/Doctoral researcher conducting a systematic review this guide is for you. If you are an MSc or undergraduate dissertation student conducting a structured literature review, you will also find some parts of this guide helpful. This guide is from a health and life science research perspective but may contain useful information for researchers in other disciplines. For subject-specific help and resources including key databases access your subject guide .
Please note: The University has a long-term trial of Covidence (scheduled to end in July 2024), a web-based software platform that streamlines the production of systematic/scoping, rapid and evidence-synthesis reviews. It supports citation screening, full-text review, risk of bias assessment, extraction of study characteristics and outcomes, and the export of data and references.
- Register to use Covidence
- Log in to Covidence
- Next: How we can help >>
- Last Updated: May 28, 2024 4:48 PM
- URL: https://gcu.libguides.com/systematicreview
Welcome to the Sir Alex Ferguson Library
Here you will find key services and resources that will help support you during your academic life at GCU.
Research question frameworks
If you are trying to define a research question for a dissertation or research project this guide is for you. Research question frameworks can be used to help frame a question and plan for empirical research or structured literature review. They are widely used in the field of health to investigate practice-based questions but they are also useful in other fields of research.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
A literature review, or lit review, is an important component of developing a dissertation for a doctoral degree program. When approaching a literature review, doctoral learners are typically either overwhelmed by the scope of the task or they may underestimate the importance of it. The College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University has ...
Starts Here. Welcome to the Student Success Center. Here you will find tutorials, writing templates, style guides, college-specific documents, plagiarism prevention methods, and university policies and handbooks in one central location that can be personalized to fit your needs.
[email protected]. All GCU researchers need to be aware of the requirements for completing research. Prior to beginning research, please review the GCU Research Integrity & Compliance page to ensure your research is within compliance. For questions, contact [email protected]. DC Network (requires login)
Table of Evidence Research Assignment Week 3 literature review: table of evidence student name: describe the care administration issue addressed in your health. Skip to document. University; High School. ... Grand Canyon University. Recommended for you. 1. Logic Model - Assignment. Research and Communication Techniques in Health Care and ...
Overview. The GCU Library provides expert research and reference assistance to the scholarly community. In addition to interlibrary loan, journal selection guidance, citation management strategies and assistance with literature search strategies, the library provides support through several programs specifically developed for researchers.
2. Literature review - Lists primary points for four sections in the Literature Review: (a) Background of the problem/gap and the need for the study based on citations from the literature; (b) Theoretical foundations (models and theories to be foundation for study); (c) Review of literature topics with key theme for each one; (d) Summary. 3.
As a GCU student, sometimes you are required to complete a research study. Sometimes you want to build your resume, make connections, or learn through hands-on research. ... training modules to help make sense of research concepts like developing a literature review, designing a survey, qualitative and quantitative methods, writing for ...
Structure of the literature review. The literature review chapter critically reviews key themes/issues relevant to your research topic and study's aim, drawing on references to academic literature as appropriate. It presents a logical, detailed and coherent picture of what literature tells us about your selected research topic.
Describe and discuss the differences between qualitative and quantitative research reports. What is the purpose of qualitative research as this relates to how you will approach report writing for your study? Include at least two peer-reviewed resources to justify your response. Cite any references accordingly using in-text citations and a ...
1. Benchmark: Literatur e Assessment Plan. Department of Education, Grand Canyon University. ELM 480: Methods and Strategies for English Language Art s. Professor Piper Loftman. December 12, 2021.
The literature review template includes the following sections: Before you start - essential groundwork to ensure you're ready. The introduction section. The core/body section. The conclusion /summary. Extra free resources. Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language, followed by an overview of the key elements that you ...
Releasing your document reservation will allow others to edit this document. Discovery Guide - LIterature Review_2023 (2).pdf
Literature Review Outline Sample I.!Introduction a.!Describe the topic that you have been investigating, why it is important to the field b.!Give a "big picture" of the literature. c.!Present a thesis or argument statement - why is it important to explore this topic? II.!Theme A1 a.!
Alexis Delgado Grand Canyon University NSG 324 Professor Wilson 03/23/ Literature Review: Draft In the United States, the prevalence of sepsis has risen dramatically in recent decades, accompanied by a corresponding increase in illness severity.
Reviewing Literature critically and purposefully. Table of Contents. 1. Reading quickly and purposefully 02 2. Formulating Questions for your Reading 03 3. Assessing and Evaluating Arguments as Part of your Literature Review 04 4. Considering Research Methods in your Literature Review 05
Planning Your Research Dissertation. January 16, 2020 in [ Doctoral Journey ] Your doctoral dissertation is a major part of your doctoral program. It is important to develop a clear sense of direction early in the project. Focused planning and preparation will help the research for your dissertation happen as smoothly as possible.
Welcome. If you are starting your dissertation or honours project this guide is for you. It aims to provide help or answers to common library related queries and will help you to plan, find and use key resources. Subject related help including guidance on search skills and key databases is available within your subject guide. Subject guides.
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
Welcome. If you are a staff member or PhD/Doctoral researcher conducting a systematic review this guide is for you. If you are an MSc or undergraduate dissertation student conducting a structured literature review, you will also find some parts of this guide helpful. This guide is from a health and life science research perspective but may ...
Research question frameworks. If you are trying to define a research question for a dissertation or research project this guide is for you. Research question frameworks can be used to help frame a question and plan for empirical research or structured literature review. They are widely used in the field of health to investigate practice-based ...
Writing a good literature review requires the ability to critically assess resources (Aveyard, 2014; Ridley, 2012). For citing legal sources see the Case law and legislation section. Remember - you must include a citation whenever you use a quote, summarise a piece of writing or rewrite an idea in your own words (paraphrasing). Citation examples
Conducting a Literature Review. To conduct a literature review, you need to follow these steps: Identify your research question: Your research question is the problem or barrier you want to address in your Health Care Research Paper.. Search for relevant literature: Use the GCU Library to find qualitative or quantitative articles related to your research question.
In a dissertation of 12,000 words the literature review is typically 3,500 to 4000 words. To be critical, literature reviews have a clearly signposted and logical structure . A logically structured literature review chapter is typically broken down and organised in sections. Each section focuses on a key theme/issue and the discussion of this ...