apa style research paper literature review

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Literature Review: Conducting & Writing

• Sample Literature Reviews
• Steps for Conducting a Lit Review
• Finding "The Literature"
• Organizing/Writing
• APA Style This link opens in a new window
• Chicago: Notes Bibliography This link opens in a new window
• MLA Style This link opens in a new window

Sample Lit Reviews from Communication Arts

Have an exemplary literature review.

• Literature Review Sample 1
• Literature Review Sample 2
• Literature Review Sample 3

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Please contact Britt McGowan at [email protected] for inclusion in this guide. All disciplines welcome and encouraged.

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• Last Updated: Mar 22, 2024 9:37 AM
• URL: https://libguides.uwf.edu/litreview

How to Write a Literature Review: Writing a Literature Review in APA Format

• Writing a Literature Review in APA Format
• Chicago/Turabian Citation Style
• Primary and Secondary Sources
• Basic Research Strategies
• Evaluating Sources
• Using the Library's Ebooks
• Using the Library's Catalog
• Copyright Information
• Contact Information & Feedback

Writing a Literature Review in APA

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• Last Updated: Sep 25, 2023 2:24 PM
• URL: https://tuskegee.libguides.com/c.php?g=692585

APA Style (7th ed.)

• Cite: Why? When?
• Book, eBook, Dissertation
• Article or Report
• Business Sources
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
• In-Text Citation
• Format Your Paper

Format Your Paper

Download and use the editable templates for student papers below: .

• APA 7th ed. Template Document This is an APA format template document in Google Docs. Click on the link -- it will ask for you to make a new copy of the document, which you can save in your own Google Drive with your preferred privacy settings.
• APA 7th ed. Template Document A Microsoft Word document formatted correctly according to APA 7th edition.
• APA 7th ed. Annotated Bibliography template A Microsoft Word document formatted correctly for an annotated bibliography.

Or, view the directions for specific sections below:

Order of sections (section 2.17).

• Title page including Title, Author, University and Department, Class, Instructor, and Date
• Body (including introduction, literature review or background, discussion, and conclusion)
• Appendices (including tables & figures)

Margins & Page Numbers (sections 2.22-2.24)

• 1 inch at top, bottom, and both sides
• Left aligned paragraphs and leave the right edge ragged (not "right justified")
• Indent first line of each paragraph 1/2 inch from left margin
• Use page numbers, including on the title page, 1/2 inch from top and flush with right margin

Text Format (section 2.19)

• Times New Roman, 12 point
• Calibri, 11 point
• Arial, 11 point
• Lucinda Sans Unicode, 10 point
• Georgia, 11 point
• Double-space and align text to the left
• Use active voice
• Don't overuse technical jargon
• No periods after a web address or DOI in the References list.

Tables and Figures In-Text (chapter 7)

• Label tables and figures numerically (ex. Table 1)
• Give each table column a heading and use separating lines only when necessary
• Design the table and figure so that it can be understood on its own, i.e. it does not require reference to the surrounding text to understand it
• Notes go below tables and figures

Title Page (section 2.3)

• Include the title, your name,  the class name , and  the college's name
• Title should be 12 words or less and summarize the paper's main idea
• No periods or abbreviations
• Do not italicize or underline
• No quotation marks, all capital letters, or bold
• Center horizontally in upper half of the page

Body (section 2.11)

• Align the text to the left with a 1/2-inch left indent on the first line
• Double-space
• As long as there is no Abstract, at the top of the first page, type the title of the paper, centered, in bold , and in Sentence Case Capitalization
• Usually, include sections like these:  introduction, literature review or background,  discussion, and conclusion -- but the specific organization will depend on the paper type
• Spell out long organization names and add the abbreviation in parenthesis, then just use the abbreviation
• Spell out numbers one through nine and use a number for 10 or more
• Use a number for units of measurement, in tables, to represent statistical or math functions, and dates or times

Headings (section 2.26-2.27)

• Level 1: Center, bold , Title Case 
• Level 2: Align left, bold , Title Case
• Level 3: Alight left, bold italics , Title Case
• Level 4: Indented 1/2", bold , Title Case, end with a period. Follow with text. 
• Level 5: Indented 1/2", bold italics , Title Case, end with a period. Follow with text. 

Quotations (sections 8.26-8.33)

• Include short quotations (40 words or less) in-text with quotation marks
• For quotes more than 40 words, indent the entire quote a half inch from the left margin and double-space it with no quotation marks
• When quoting two or more paragraphs from an original source, indent the first line of each paragraph a half inch from the left margin
• Use ellipsis (...) when omitting sections from a quote and use four periods (....) if omitting the end section of a quote

References (section 2.12)

Begins on a new page following the text of your paper and includes complete citations for the resources you've used in your writing.

• References should be centered and bolded at the top of a new page
• Double-space and use hanging indents (where the first line is on the left margin and the following lines are indented a half inch from the left)
• List authors' last name first followed by the first and middle initials (ex. Skinner, B. F.)
• Alphabetize the list by the first author's last name of of each citation (see sections 9.44-9.49)
• Capitalize only the first word, the first after a colon or em dash, and proper nouns
• Don't capitalize the second word of a hyphenated compound
• No quotation marks around titles of articles

Appendices with Tables, Figures, & Illustrations (section 2.14, and chapter 7)

• Include appendices only to help the reader understand, evaluate, or replicate the study or argument
• Put each appendix on a separate page and align left
• For text, do not indent the first paragraph, but do indent the rest
• If you have only one appendix, label it "Appendix"
• If you have two or more appendices, label them "Appendix A", "Appendix B" and so forth as they appear in the body of your paper
• Label tables and figures numerically (ex. Table 1, or Table B1 and Table B2 if Appendix B has two tables) and describe them within the text of the appendix
• Notes go below tables and figures (see samples on p. 210-226)

Annotated Bibliography

Double-space the entire bibliography. give each entry a hanging indent. in the following annotation, indent the entire paragraph a half inch from the left margin and give the first line of each paragraph a half inch indent. see the template document at the top of this page..

• Check with your professor for the length of the annotation and which elements you should evaluate.

These elements are optional, if your professor or field requires them, but they are  not required for student papers: 

Abstract (section 2.9).

• Abstract gets its own page
• Center "Abstract" heading and do not indent the first line of the text
• Summarize the main points and purpose of the paper in 150-250 words maximum
• Define abbreviations and acronyms used in the paper

Running Head (section 2.8 )

• Shorten title to 50 characters or less (counting spaces and punctuation) for the running head
• In the top margin, the running head is aligned left, with the page number aligned on the right
• On every page, put (without the brackets): [SHORTENED TITLE OF YOUR PAPER IN ALL CAPS] [page number] 

More questions? Check out the authoritative source: APA style blog

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• Last Updated: May 21, 2024 11:32 AM
• URL: https://libguides.uww.edu/apa

Literature Reviews

• Steps to Writing a Lit Review
• Sample Literature Reviews from the APA
• Topic Selection
• Keywords & Search Terms
• Advanced Search Techniques
• Government Information
• Find Images This link opens in a new window
• News & Journalism
• Evaluating Information Sources This link opens in a new window
• Citation Style Help This link opens in a new window
• Citation Management
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• Last Updated: May 21, 2024 10:31 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.montana.edu/literaturereviews

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Types of APA Papers

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects APA 6, which is now out of date. It will remain online until 2021, but will not be updated. There is currently no equivalent 7th edition page, but we're working on one. Thank you for your patience. Here is a link to our APA 7 "General Format" page .

There are two common types of papers written in fields using APA Style: the literature review and the experimental report (also known as a "research report"). Each has unique requirements concerning the sections that must be included in the paper.

Literature review

A literature review is a critical summary of what the scientific literature says about your specific topic or question. Often student research in APA fields falls into this category. Your professor might ask you to write this kind of paper to demonstrate your familiarity with work in the field pertinent to the research you hope to conduct. 

While the APA Publication Manual does not require a specific order for a literature review, a good literature review typically contains the following components:

• Introduction
• Thesis statement
• Summary and synthesis of sources
• List of references

Some instructors may also want you to write an abstract for a literature review, so be sure to check with them when given an assignment. Also, the length of a literature review and the required number of sources will vary based on course and instructor preferences.

NOTE:  A literature review and an annotated bibliography are  not  synonymous. While both types of writing involve examining sources, the literature review seeks to synthesize the information and draw connections between sources. If you are asked to write an annotated bibliography, you should consult the  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  for the APA Format for Annotated Bibliographies.

Experimental/Research report

In many of the social sciences, you will be asked to design and conduct your own experimental research. If so, you will need to write up your paper using a structure that is more complex than that used for just a literature review. We have a complete resource devoted to writing an experimental report in the field of psychology  here .

This structure follows the scientific method, but it also makes your paper easier to follow by providing those familiar cues that help your reader efficiently scan your information for:

• Why the topic is important (covered in your introduction)
• What the problem is (also covered in your introduction)
• What you did to try to solve the problem (covered in your methods section)
• What you found (covered in your results section)
• What you think your findings mean (covered in your discussion section)

Thus an experimental report typically includes the following sections.

• Multiple experiments (if you conduct more than one)
• Appendices (if necessary)
• Tables and/or figures (if necessary)

Make sure to check the guidelines for your assignment or any guidelines that have been given to you by an editor of a journal before you submit a manuscript containing the sections listed above.

As with the literature review, the length of this report may vary by course or by journal, but most often it will be determined by the scope of the research conducted.

Other papers

If you are writing a paper that fits neither of these categories, follow the guidelines about  General Format , consult your instructor, or look up advice in the  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association .

When submitting a manuscript to a journal, make sure you follow the guidelines described in the submission policies of that publication, and include as many sections as you think are applicable to presenting your material. Remember to keep your audience in mind as you are making this decision. If certain information is particularly pertinent for conveying your research, then ensure that there is a section of your paper that adequately addresses that information.

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: from his Birth to his Impact on Children’s Literature

This essay about Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, explores his life from his childhood in Springfield to becoming a celebrated children’s author. It highlights his early influences, career milestones, and personal challenges. Dr. Seuss’s innovative books like “The Cat in the Hat” revolutionized children’s literature, blending education with entertainment. His stories, filled with imaginative characters and meaningful themes, continue to inspire readers and contribute to childhood literacy. His legacy endures through annual celebrations and ongoing educational research.

How it works

Theodor Seuss Geisel, universally recognized as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. His journey from childhood in New England to becoming an iconic figure in children’s literature is a story of imagination, resilience, and a profound ability to engage young minds.

Growing up in Springfield, Dr. Seuss’s formative years were infused with experiences that later inspired his work. Visits to the local zoo, walks in nearby parks, and an active imagination fostered by his mother, Henrietta Seuss Geisel, who sang rhyming songs, all contributed to his unique perspective on the world.

Dr. Seuss attended Dartmouth College, where he began to cultivate his talents in writing and illustration. During his time at Dartmouth, he contributed to the school’s humor magazine, the Jack-O-Lantern, and started using the pen name “Seuss.” After graduating, he went to Lincoln College, Oxford, to pursue a Ph.D. in English literature, but his academic ambitions were short-lived. It was his future wife, Helen Palmer, who recognized his true calling and encouraged him to focus on his artistic talents, prompting him to leave academia and embark on a creative career.

Before finding his niche in children’s literature, Dr. Seuss worked as an illustrator for magazines and advertising campaigns. His first children’s book, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” published in 1937, faced multiple rejections before finding a publisher. This book marked the beginning of his career in children’s literature, showcasing his ability to transform the mundane into the fantastical.

World War II saw Dr. Seuss contributing to the war effort as a political cartoonist for PM magazine and producing training films and propaganda posters for the U.S. Army. This period sharpened his skills in visual storytelling and introduced a satirical edge that would appear in his later works.

The publication of “The Cat in the Hat” in 1957 was a turning point in Dr. Seuss’s career. The book, created in response to concerns about early childhood literacy, used a controlled vocabulary to tell an engaging story. Its success demonstrated that children’s books could be both educational and entertaining, revolutionizing early literacy and setting a new standard for children’s literature.

Following this breakthrough, Dr. Seuss authored numerous beloved classics, including “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Horton Hears a Who!,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” These stories have become timeless, enchanting readers with their inventive characters, rhythmic language, and underlying moral messages.

Dr. Seuss had a unique ability to address complex social and political issues through simple yet profound stories. “The Lorax,” published in 1971, is a powerful tale about environmental conservation and the perils of industrialization. “Yertle the Turtle” critiques authoritarianism and the abuse of power. These narratives entertain children while offering adults deeper insights into societal issues.

Beyond his books, Dr. Seuss’s impact on children’s literature includes co-founding Beginner Books, a division of Random House dedicated to producing high-quality early readers. This initiative expanded the availability of engaging educational materials and established new industry standards.

Despite his professional success, Dr. Seuss’s personal life was marked by challenges. His first wife, Helen, struggled with illness and depression, leading to her tragic suicide in 1967. He remarried Audrey Stone Dimond in 1968, who remained his steadfast partner until his death. These personal trials influenced the emotional depth and empathy evident in his later works.

Dr. Seuss’s legacy is vast. He authored and illustrated over 60 books, translated into multiple languages and adapted into films, television specials, and Broadway musicals. His characters, from the Grinch to the Cat in the Hat, have become cultural icons, and his whimsical style remains instantly recognizable.

His contributions to childhood literacy are immense. Dr. Seuss’s use of rhyme, repetition, and imaginative illustrations engage young readers, fostering language development and reading skills. His stories inspire joy and curiosity, encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

Educational researchers and educators continue to explore how Dr. Seuss’s books can enhance reading instruction and promote critical thinking skills. His blend of fun and meaningful lessons serves as a model for creating educational content that resonates with children.

Theodor Seuss Geisel passed away on September 24, 1991, but his legacy lives on. Annual celebrations like Read Across America Day, held on his birthday, honor his contributions to literature and education. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, founded to manage his estate, ensures that new generations of readers can discover the magic of his work.

In summary, Dr. Seuss’s life and legacy epitomize the power of creativity, imagination, and storytelling. From his early days in Springfield to his enduring impact on children’s literature, his stories have brought joy, laughter, and valuable lessons to countless readers worldwide. Through his unique blend of whimsy and wisdom, Dr. Seuss has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring and educating generations to come.

Cite this page

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature. (2024, May 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/

"The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature." PapersOwl.com , 21 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/ [Accessed: 22 May. 2024]

"The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature." PapersOwl.com, May 21, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/

"The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature," PapersOwl.com , 21-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/. [Accessed: 22-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Life and Legacy of Dr. Seuss: From His Birth to His Impact on Children's Literature . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-life-and-legacy-of-dr-seuss-from-his-birth-to-his-impact-on-childrens-literature/ [Accessed: 22-May-2024]

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