Literature Review: Home

1. Find two articles from professional trade publications.
2. Create a MyBib for the References page.
3. Take notes using the organizer.
4. Use your notes to fill out the writing template.
5. Use the template to create the review.
6. Finish the APA Literature review for a first draft.
7. Pass in final draft.

Quick links to examples:

• Filled out notes organizer
• Filled out writing template
• APA Lit Review with annotations
• APA Lit Review without annotations

Purposes of the Literature Review:
To establish the importance and provide background information of a topic in your trade. To demonstrate familiarity with an issue, discuss problems and solutions, debates, and concepts in your trade. 

Characteristics of an effective literature review:
An effective literature review provides a critical overview, outlines trends, assesses strengths and weaknesses, identifies gaps in knowledge and establishes a need for future research.

Directions: 
Find TWO ARTICLES about the SAME TOPIC.  The articles should be less than five years old (published 2018 or later). The authors can have similar or different points of view.  As you read, arrange your notes into AT LEAST TWO SUBTOPICS using the ORGANIZER provided (See box to the left). Then, fill out the WRITING TEMPLATE. Use the template to complete the REVIEW.  Use APA FORMAT including a References page.

You need TWO articles from PROFESSIONAL TRADE PUBLICATIONS. Some are available in print in the Library or your shop.  You may also look online.  Your articles need to be from the PAST FIVE YEARS.  Use the search engines on the left to find articles in specific areas or search on your own.  Professional trade journals/magazines have the following characteristics:

• The focus is on a specific industry, trade, or business (and an audience that has knowledge of that industry).
• The goal is to present news, and market ideas, products, or services (and sometimes employment opportunities).
• The editorial staff is responsible for the accuracy of the content.

You will use THIS organizer for your NOTES. Make a Copy. View the one below for a filled out example.  You will use MyBib.com to create your APA Style citations for the sources and for your References page.

You will use THIS TEMPLATE for your Writing your Literature Review.  Make a Copy. View the one below for a filled out example.

View an example of a completed APA Style Literature Review Below.