How to Expand Your Literature Matrix for Research Success

Posted on | by Linus

Formative Assessment: Expanding your Literature Matrix
● In this formative assessment, you will continue to add to your literature matrix.
You will add at least 10 more references and complete information for each.
Using the matrix template and your matrix from Competency 1, complete your
entries with additional research that supports your topic.
Document Type/Template:
● The literature matrix should have at least 20 entries after this assignment

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This formative assessment builds directly on your previous work from Competency 1 and is designed to strengthen your research foundation. By expanding your literature matrix, you will deepen your understanding of your topic and ensure your project is supported by a strong body of scholarly evidence. Follow the steps below to complete this assignment efficiently and accurately.

Step 1: Review Your Existing Literature Matrix

Begin by opening:

  • The literature matrix template provided for the course

  • Your completed matrix from Competency 1

Confirm how many entries you already have and review the required columns (e.g., citation, purpose, methodology, sample, key findings, relevance to topic). This will help you maintain consistency as you add new sources.

Step 2: Confirm Assignment Requirements

Before adding new sources, verify the expectations:

  • You must add at least 10 new references

  • The matrix must contain a minimum of 20 total entries after completion

  • Each entry must include complete and accurate information

This is a formative assessment, but accuracy and completeness are still essential.

Step 3: Conduct Additional Scholarly Research

Search for new sources that directly support your research topic. Prioritize:

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles

  • Scholarly books or textbook chapters

  • Systematic reviews or evidence-based practice articles

Use academic databases whenever possible to ensure credibility.

Step 4: Evaluate Sources Before Adding Them

Before entering a source into the matrix:

  • Confirm it is relevant to your topic or research question

  • Check the publication date (recent sources are typically preferred)

  • Review the study design and findings

Avoid adding articles that repeat the same evidence without contributing new insight.

Step 5: Complete Each Matrix Entry Thoroughly

For each of the 10 new references:

  • Enter the full APA citation

  • Clearly summarize the purpose of the study

  • Identify the methodology and sample

  • Highlight key findings or conclusions

  • Explain how the source supports or informs your topic

Write concisely but with enough detail to show understanding.

Step 6: Maintain Consistency Across the Matrix

Ensure:

  • Language and formatting are consistent across all entries

  • Terminology aligns with your research focus

  • All columns are completed for every reference

A well-organized matrix will be easier to use in future assignments and your final project.

Step 7: Final Review Before Submission

Before submitting:

  • Count entries to confirm you have at least 20 total sources

  • Proofread for clarity and accuracy

  • Ensure APA citations are correctly formatted

  • Save the document using the required file format

This expanded matrix will serve as a key reference tool for upcoming competencies.

Helpful Research Resources

You may find the following sources helpful when expanding your literature matrix:

 

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