SXU Interpersonal Relationships on Social Media A Closer Look Literature Review

A literature review takes an exhaustive look at a specific vein of existing research, synthesizing and evaluating what has been published on the topic in order to guide the researcher on an informed journey into their own line of inquiry. A literature review is not an annotated bibliography or a summary of source information, so the student must analyze and synthesize the information they find in order to find patterns in the concepts, themes, or ideas. This literature review should focus on 3-5 themes or main points. These themes will guide the literature review; a literature review highlights comparisons and contrasts among the research findings of various authors for each identified theme. A good literature review will also  identify questions that remain unaddressed and locate gaps in the literature that  ultimately point to directions for future research.

Only scholarly (preferably peer-reviewed), empirical (qualitative or quantitative) research will count toward the 8 source requirement; however, students may use other sources to develop their literature review. All sources must be fully cited in APA format both in-text and in the bibliography.

The Final Paper Will Include:

Section

Description

Length

Title page

Should be its own page APA Format (does not count toward 5 page minimum)

1 page

Abstract/Executive Summary

Should be its own page APA Format (does not count toward 5 page minimum)

1 page

Body of Literature Review: Introduction

Body of the paper should include a clear introduction that provides a preview of the major themes identified in the reviewed literature.

1 paragraph

Body of Literature Review: Synthesis of Research

Body of the paper should include 3-5 main points derived from synthesizing the research. Each main point should be supported with at least two different sources. This is not an annotated bibliography, this is a more comprehensive look at the research you read.

You are encouraged to use headings, but follow APA guidelines for spacing (this source may help you:  https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ (Links to an external site.).

Be sure to appropriately cite sources in-text and be aware of plagiarism (there will be a TurnItIn Report on your submitted paper–if you are not in the green, you had better double check for plagiarism)

Anticipate about 5 pages

Body of Literature Review: Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research

Body of the paper should include a conclusion that not only summarizes what the research revealed, but what was missing in the research or what potential issues you identified with the methods the research was conducted–think of it as an evaluation of the research that you read. This conclusion should also include your recommendations for further study.