APA Literature Review Format Template (Word)

The APA (American Psychological Association) literature review format provides researchers with a structured and standardized way to summarize, analyze, and synthesize existing research. It showcases your knowledge of the field and highlights the relevance of your research question while ensuring clarity and uniformity in scientific writing.

This article will guide you through the process of understanding and implementing the APA literature review format.

What is the APA Literature Review Format?

The APA literature review format is a specific style guide that outlines the format, structure, and citation guidelines for writing a literature review in the field of psychology. It is widely used in the social sciences and other disciplines that follow APA style. The main purpose of the literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research on a specific topic and identify gaps or areas for further investigation.

When writing a literature review in APA format, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association. This includes using a specific format for organizing the content, citing sources in-text and in the reference list, and adhering to the general rules of APA style.

Why is the APA Literature Review Format Important?

The APA literature review format is important for several reasons:

• Structure and organization: The format provides a clear structure for organizing the content of your literature review, making it easier for readers to follow your arguments and understand the flow of information.
• Standardization: Following the APA format ensures uniformity in scientific writing, making it easier for researchers to compare and evaluate different studies.
• Credibility: By adhering to the APA guidelines, you demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to rigorous academic standards, which enhances the credibility of your research.
• Clarity and readability: The format promotes clarity and readability by providing clear headings, subheadings, and citation styles, which help readers navigate through your literature review.
• Ethical considerations: Following the APA guidelines for citing sources properly and avoiding plagiarism ensures that you give credit to the original authors and respect their intellectual property rights.

How to Write an APA Literature Review

Writing an APA literature review involves several steps:

1. Select a topic: Choose a topic that is relevant to your research question and aligns with your area of interest. Conduct a preliminary search to ensure that there is enough existing research on the topic.
2. Gather and evaluate sources: Collect relevant research articles, books, and other sources that provide valuable insights into your topic. Evaluate the quality and credibility of the sources to ensure that they are reliable and relevant to your research question.
3. Organize your literature: Create a clear and logical structure for your literature review. This may include organizing the literature by themes, theories, methodologies, or chronological order.
4. Summarize and synthesize the literature: Summarize the main findings and arguments of each source and identify common themes or patterns. Synthesize the information to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on your topic.
5. Write your literature review: Start with an introduction that provides an overview of the topic and highlights the relevance of your research question. Then, present the main findings and arguments of the literature, organized according to your chosen structure. Finally, conclude your literature review by summarizing the key findings and identifying gaps or areas for future research.
6. Revise and edit: Review your literature review for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure that your citations and references are formatted correctly according to APA style.

Examples of APA Literature Reviews

Here are some examples of APA literature reviews:

Tips for Successful APA Literature Reviews

Here are some tips to help you write a successful APA literature review:

• Start early: Give yourself enough time to conduct a thorough literature search, read and evaluate the sources, and write your literature review.
• Be selective: Choose high-quality and relevant sources that provide valuable insights into your research question. Avoid including sources that are outdated or not directly related to your topic.
• Use clear and concise language: Write clearly and concisely, using simple language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse your readers.
• Cite your sources properly: Follow the APA guidelines for in-text citations and references. Make sure to give credit to the original authors and provide accurate and complete information for each source.
• Stay focused: Stick to your research question and avoid going off-topic. Keep your literature review focused and relevant to your research objectives.
• Revise and edit: Review your literature review for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammatical and spelling errors, and ensure that your citations and references are formatted correctly according to APA style.

Conclusion

The APA literature review format provides researchers with a structured and standardized approach to summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing existing research. By following the APA guidelines, you can showcase your knowledge of the field, highlight the relevance of your research question, and ensure clarity and uniformity in scientific writing.

Remember to start early, be selective in choosing your sources, use clear and concise language, cite your sources properly, stay focused on your research question, and revise and edit your literature review for clarity and accuracy.

APA Literature Review Format Template – Download