Writers Den

Literature Review Paper — Schizophrenia

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to
select a topic in the particular area in which you have an occupational or
research interest, and to complete a literature review of the topic, using a
minimum of ten scholarly references. This will allow you to demonstrate mastery
of the program outcomes for the B.A. psychology program at Argosy University. A
helpful Web site for organizing and writing a literature review is www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html.

You may also want to review the following documents that are available in
the Doc Sharing area of the course:

·
A sample literature review,

·
a PowerPoint document
illustrating how to set up your word processor for APA style

·
a “Guide for Writing a
Literature Review”

Based on your review of the most recent, relevant research findings on your
chosen topic, submit a final version of your literature review paper,
integrating feedback received from your instructor. Be sure to include a
research/focal question, synthesis of the literature you reviewed,
well-established conclusions, and points of discussion and/or future
research.

·
Begin the review by defining
the objective of the paper. Introduce the reader to your focal question. What
is this question intended to address? You may state your “question” in the form
of a problem if you like. Describe the topic for your literature review and why
you chose this topic. Explain why you think it is important. It is also useful
to tell the reader how the review is organized in your introduction section,
before you the transition into the body of the review.

·
Organize your literature
review paper by themes/theories/concepts, rather than article by article. If
there is one major theme you want to highlight, state the theme. If there are
three major themes or streams of thought on the topic, briefly name them—and
then organize the balance of your literature review around those three streams.
Think of themes, theories, concepts, lines of thought, and ideas as organizing
strategies for your literature review. Your creativity in this assignment is
not the content or findings but the clarity with which you organize the review
and create a context for understanding the focal question.

·
When you are done introducing
the first line of thought, create a new paragraph to discuss studies which
present another line of thought or opposing view.

·
Your literature review should
hit the high points of each article. You should not discuss a single article,
one by one, like a grocery list. Zero in on the main theme or finding and then
move on to the next theme. Remember, this is a synthesis, an integration of all
the things you have learned. You are creating a discussion on paper, which in
turn gives the reader a context for understanding where the scholarship has
been, where it is currently, and where it likely will be heading next. Provide
enough details to help the reader understand the significance of the studies
you cite without “rebuilding Rome.” Be sure to evaluate the studies and offer
critical comments on any shortcomings you’ve observed or that have been
reported by the authors.

·
Discuss the main findings and
their implications. Given the results of your literature review, what is/are
the prevailing argument(s)? What research question could you ask in order to
further develop this area of study and contribute to the existing body of
knowledge? Complete your review by drawing conclusions about your body of
research and identifying gaps in the research which still remain to be
explored, maybe even by you! Make an argument as to why your research question
is important and relevant to the current work being done on your topic.

Requirements

Apply current APA standards for editorial style, expression of ideas, and
formatting of the text, headings, citations, and references. Remember to use
your own words to describe and evaluate the articles. Avoid quoting the
material and also cite works when you are discussing someone else’s ideas. Your
paper should be double-spaced and in 12 point, Times New Roman font with normal
one-inch margins, written in APA style, and free of typographical and
grammatical errors. It should include a title page with a running head, an
abstract and a reference page. The body of the paper should be no less than 4-5
pages in length.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Description of the focal question or problem is clear and thorough. Explanation of the relevance of the topic to the field of psychology is clear.	36
Analysis of themes, theories, or concepts is clear and complete. Discussion of articles clearly relates to those themes, theories, or concepts (instead of discussing each article individually).	40
Choice of articles is appropriate, both in quality and quantity: they directly address the thesis. Their evaluation is based on their relation to themes, theories, or concepts. Evaluation includes discussion of the methodology, and a discussion of any obvious shortcomings.	40
Provides well-supported conclusions. Suggestions for future research are appropriate and discuss how future research will contribute to the field.	40
Introduction has a clear opening, provides background information, and states the topic. The paper is organized around an arguable, clearly stated thesis statement. Transitions are appropriate and help the flow of ideas. Conclusion summarizes main argument and has a clear ending.	12
Writing follows conventions of spelling and grammar throughout. Errors are infrequent and do not interfere with readability or comprehension.	12
Using APA format, accurately paraphrased, quoted, and cited in many spots throughout when appropriate or called for. Errors present are somewhat minor.	16
Writing remains in third person throughout writing. Word choice is accurate, clear and appropriate for the audience.	4
Total:	200