Step 2: Submit an Outline
· Effectively communicate, organize, and synthesize information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose, with clarity and depth
A research paper outline is a useful tool to aid in the writing process. It provides a structure to follow with all information to be included in the paper clearly organized. It allows you to brainstorm new ideas and make sure your paper will be organized, focused, and supported.
Literature Review Sample Outline
I. Introduction
a. Describe your topic and why it is important to the field
b. Give a “big picture” of the literature
c. Present a thesis or argument statement – why is it important to explore this topic?
II. Theme A
a. Overview of characteristics of the theme (commonalities, differences, nuances)
b. Sub-theme – narrow but grouped findings related to the theme
i. Study 1 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
ii. Study 2 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
iii. Study 3 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
iv. Do these studies share commonalities? How do these studies differ? Discuss
c. Sub-theme – narrow but grouped findings related to the theme
i. Study 4 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
ii. Study 5 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
iii. Study 6 research questions, methods/participants, related findings
iv. Do these studies share commonalities? How do these studies differ? Discuss
d. Etc., etc with other findings that fit Theme A; studies can be repeated if there are multiple findings that fit more than just one theme. However, no need to re-write methods/participants in detail (just enough to remind the reader about the study)
III. Theme B – Follow a, b, c, and so on from above
IV. Theme C – Follow a, b, c, and so on from above
V. Conclusion: An evaluation/critique of the existing literature
a. What are the contributions of this literature to the field?
b. Return to your thesis statement
c. What are the overall strengths?
d. What are the overall weaknesses?
e. What might be missing?
f. What are some next steps for research? The next steps should explicitly address how to “correct” for strengths, weaknesses, and gaps