Nursing Literature Review Writing
A literature review involves examining published information related to a specific topic or field. It serves as a foundation and justification for research or demonstrates knowledge of the current state of the field. This review can be a standalone assignment or a section of a larger capstone project. Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing a strong literature review!
Understanding the basics of Literature Reviews
Misconceptions often arise when students perceive a literature review as a mere collection of source summaries, similar to annotations or article abstracts. While summarizing is part of a literature review, it should encompass a comprehensive understanding of the topic or field, including previous research and findings. Moreover, it should highlight the need for future research, specifically your own.
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There is no fixed format or template for Nursing Literature Review Writing, but some key considerations should be kept in mind:
– Introduction and conclusion:
Even if the literature review is part of a larger document, these paragraphs provide an introduction and conclusion to your material. Provide background information by referencing notable figures in the field at the beginning and discuss the implications of future research in the end.
– Paraphrasing:
Avoid direct quotations and instead paraphrase the material. Paraphrasing involves presenting another person’s ideas in your own words, demonstrating your understanding and interpretation. It strengthens your own argument or analysis while maintaining academic credibility. Successful paraphrasing is crucial, as unsuccessful attempts can lead to unintentional plagiarism. Use this assignment to showcase your knowledge and express the found material in your own voice.
– Organize by topic or theme:
Rather than summarizing each source and then comparing them at the end, organize your sources based on identified themes and patterns. This approach showcases your synthesis of the material and prevents the review from becoming a series of book reports.
– Use headings:
Headings help structure the text and visually break it down for the reader. APA style recommends the use of headings within longer texts to indicate shifts in topic. Headings assist you in organizing your material by theme and identifying subtopics within the field. They also establish a hierarchy of sections, clarifying the logic and organization of the paper. Remember to follow APA guidelines for heading formatting.
– Use comparative terms:
In a lengthy and dense literature review, incorporating transitions and comparison terms can make the text more engaging for the reader. These terms help demonstrate areas of agreement or disagreement among authors and highlight your own interpretation of the literature. The strength of your argument relies on clear connections between assessments, assertions, and research. Each sentence should build upon the previous one and contribute to the next, creating a logical flow. Transitions guide the reader from one idea to the next and explain the relationships between your research and assessments.
Nursing Literature Review Writing requires careful attention to these aspects to create a well-structured and informative review. Remember to use appropriate formatting, comparative terms, and logical transitions to enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing.
