Use this guide to get help with APA citations and formatting: APA Citation Guide.
A literature review is a paper that summarizes and synthesizes existing research in a particular subject area. In many cases, a literature review gives the reader an understanding of current research and shows where the researcher is entering the academic conversation.
The distinction between a narrative literature review and a problem identification literature review is defined in Machi & McEvoy's The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success (p. 3-5). Be aware that this distinction has been referred to as "basic vs. advanced" and "simple vs. complex" literature reviews in previous editions of this book.
Key elements of a narrative literature review:
Tip: Read the introduction and conclusion of the article. If the author(s) discuss the literature only as it relates to their thesis statement -- without asking new questions for future study -- you're looking at a narrative literature review.
Problem Identification literature reviews include many of the features of narrative reviews, but differ by going one step further:
Tip: Skip to the conclusion. If the author(s) end the paper by asking questions and proposing potential new studies for the future, you're looking at a problem identification literature review.
Literature reviews are scholarly sources, so library databases are great places to start your search.
Business database that collects peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports, company profiles, trade journals, magazines, and regional business publications. Also includes access to the Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review.
Business database that collects peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports, company profiles, trade journals, magazines, and regional business publications. Also includes access to the Wall Street Journal.
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