Extended Literature Review Organization and Structure Introduction  Explain yo

Extended Literature Review
Organization and Structure
Introduction
 Explain your topic and thesis statement
 Provide a brief descriiption of how you found your sources, and how you analyzed them for inclusion and discussion in the review
 What databases did you use? Google scholar, Penn State Libraries, Comm & Mass Media Complete?
 What search terms did you use and why?
 Justify the importance of your research foci
 How does your research help us better understand communication and/or relationships?
 Consider what your extended literature review will allow us to predict or understand about communication and/or relationships
 Provide a preview of key topics that will appear in the body of your literature review
 You should have approximately two key topics: a concept and a context
 Reference any key theories, models, or frameworks that you have identified regarding your concept and context
Body
*Organization is up to you! Here are some options:
 Chronological
 Trace the development of your topic over time
 Interpret how and why specific research developments occurred, or how and why certain theories were developed
 Do not just list and summarize sources in order
 Thematic
 Identify key themes, e.g., concept and context, may have sub themes within them
 Discuss concept and key theories, followed by context, then connect the two
 Theoretical
 Summarize and synthesize key theories regarding concept and/or context
 Use key theories or models to guide organization
Regardless of which organization strategy you use for the body of your literature review, you must integrate the following within the body:
 Integration of concept and context
 Draw connections between your concept and your context
 Combine your sources into a coherent whole
 Utilize your own interpretations where possible and discuss the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
 Do not just paraphrase or quote other researchers
 Critical analysis
 Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
 Evaluate any research studies or theories you encounter – note how and where they are useful along with how and where they may fall short
Conclusion
 Summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance
 Connect your summary back to your primary research question or thesis statement
 Provide two avenues for future research regarding your concept and context together, either on your own or informed by any of your sources
References/Resources for writing an extended literature review:
 https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/writing_a_literature_review.html
 https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upmbinaries/18330_5097_Easterby_Smith_Ch03.pdf
Grading Breakdown
 Introduction – 10 points
 Explain your topic and thesis statement
 Provide a brief descriiption of how you found your sources, and how you analyzed them for inclusion and discussion in the review
 Justify the importance of your research foci
 Provide a preview of key topics that will appear in the body of your literature review
 Body – 65 points
 Organize by chronology, theme, or theory
 Summarize and synthesize relevant research, concepts, or theories regarding concept and context
 Integrate concept and context
 Include a critical analysis of research
 Conclusion – 10 points
 Summarize key findings
 Connect summary back to thesis statement
 Provides two avenues for future research
 APA, mechanics, and style – 15 points
 Clarity of expression – demonstrate clear writing, avoid unnecessary jargon
 Grammar – use academic language consistently and appropriately
 APA/citations – adhere to APA 7th ed., cite all sources properly
Additional Grading Considerations
 Approximately 1,500 words or 6 double-spaced pages
 Quality over quantity
 Points will be deducted if papers are jarringly under or over 1,500 words
 A minimum of 5 sources are cited, both in text and in a references page at the end of the paper
 At least 3 scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles
 At least 1 non journal article source – may be from a research institution, university, or government affiliated source
 Use APA 7th edition – https://apastyle.apa.org