This document provides guidance on writing a literature review. It states that the literature review is an evaluation and synthesis of literature, not a summary. Key information should be identified using a matrix. The review should identify themes across articles and include comparisons of different points of view or research outcomes. It should relate the study to previous research and evaluate literature to define important aspects being examined or to substantiate the conceptual framework. The content should be drawn from peer-reviewed sources or have justification for other sources. The review synthesizes literature on the topic being investigated.

2. Writing the Literature Review
o Not a summary of the articles!
o It is a evaluation and or synthesis of
the literature
o Use the matrix to identify key
information
o Identify the key themes among all the
articles.

3. Writing the Literature
Review
The review of related research and literature
includes a. comparisons | contrasts of different
points of view or different research outcomes,
b. the relationship of the study to previous
research
4. The review contains concise evaluation of
literatures that help
a. define the most important aspects of the
theory that will be examined or tested (for
quantitative studies), or b. substantiate the
rationale or conceptual framework for the
study (for qualitative studies).

4. Writing the Literature
Review
There is literature-based description
of
a. the research variables
(quantitative studies) or
b. potential themes and perceptions
to be explored (qualitative studies).

5. Writing the Literature
Review
The content of the review is drawn
from acceptable peer- reviewed
journals or sound academic journals
or there is a justification for using
other sources.
Walden University

6. Evaluate the Literature
Literature related to the use of
differing methodologies to
investigate the outcomes of interest
is reviewed.
The literature review is an
integrated, critical essay on the most
relevant and current published.
Walden University

7. “Synthesis” equals
“Connecting the Dots”
Although Ross (2004) stated ~, Smith (2005) offered
a different conclusion.
The results of Polk are consistent with Williams.
Several studies (Ford, 2006; Moore, 2004; Thomas,
2007) enlisted older teenagers, only Brook (2006)
was done with preteens.
Alexander (2007) then expanded the work of
Edwards (2001)…
The conflicting results of Dillard (2007) and Reynolds
(2006) suggest that more research is needed…
Walden University

8. What is a Synthesis?
A synthesis is a reorganization or a
reshuffling of that information,
offering a new interpretation.
Walden University

9. Literature Review
In the body you should:
Group articles according to common
denominators (examples?).
Summarize articles as each merits according to
its comparative importance in the literature.
Provide the reader with direction, leading them
back to your research problem
Walden University

10. This is the Craft to Writing
the Lit ReviewMasta et
al., 2001
Bradley,
1997
Pogoff,
2007
Focus of study (research
questions, specific gap,
purpose).
Methods (quantitative, quali,
mixed)
Results
Conclusions and Future Research
Walden University

11. Literature Review
Opening
There have been many differing points of view
regarding the effectiveness of partnerships and
collaboration efforts, especially between government
agencies, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. The
debate among researchers regarding partnerships
and collaboration among organizations has
addressed these four key issues: (a) What are the
effective strategies for partnerships and
collaborations? (b) How are partnerships and
collaborations formed? (c) What defines successful
outcomes? (d) What are the best practice models for
policy implementation to augment program outcome
success? These different issues were explored.

12. Synthesis Example
cont’d
Researchers have disagreed about the superiority of
certain types of program implementation models
(Agranoff & McGuire, 2001; Anderson, 2006;
Jennings & Ewalt, 1994; Raelin & Cataldo 2011).
Some even argued that partnerships and
collaborations might actually impede program
outcomes (Jennings, 2004). On the other hand,
Provan, Veazie, Staten, and Teufel-Shone (2005)
maintained that partnerships and collaborations
between agencies, nonprofit, and for-profit
organizations lead to program outcomes. Shaw
(2003) reported program outcomes are mostly
influenced by a positive relationship between
participants.

13. Synthesis Example
cont’d
The literature includes discussions of the
challenges with partnerships between
government agencies, nonprofit, and for-profit
organizations coordinating efforts to provide
services and improve policy outcomes. My
intention in this study was to better understand
how partnerships and collaborations between
agencies and organizations affect the success of
a collaborative program and the participant’s
perception of the policy implementation process.
Walden University