Literature Review (5 pages; Review at least 8 sources) The literature review is useful to examine and
report on what other researchers have uncovered on the topic. The literature review is NOT expected
to be exhaustive. However, the literature reviewed in this section should be specific to the topic and
should primarily focus on empirical research studies that describe or explain variables relative to the
topic. Students should provide an overview of the manuscripts described in the literature review to
possibly include the information: (1) the general topic/focus of the analysis and overall
results/findings of the study, (2) data analysis techniques (e.g. multiple regression, discriminant
analysis), (3) sampling procedures (and it is sometimes useful to note the sample size), (4) type of
research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), and (5) data collection methods (experiments,
surveys, interviews, field observations, etc.). Finally, in closing your literature review students
should assess the findings cumulatively to comment about inconsistencies among results from
various studies. Doing so will help you to identify areas (gaps in the literature) where additional
research would contribute to the literature. This section will require numerous citations. Review page
119 of the textbook for more details on writing a literature review. Generally, this section would also
include a theoretical framework to better guide the analysis, however this requirement is reserved for
graduate students. As such, undergraduates are not required to propose a theoretical framework.
Upon submitting your literature review, be sure to include your introduction as well (approximately 8
pages total).