Literature Matrix

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!

1) Citation

Resource (using APA Format)

The actual citation, formatted in a standardized way (APA) which is common for most social science fields. However, keep in mind that many forms are used, depending on the academic field/discipline. You may have learned about, or heard of MLA format, Chicago Style, etc.

2) Summary

? If it?s an empirical study– make a summary of the research questions, methods (how they answered their study), and findings

? If it?s not an empirical study– summarize what the author(s) wrote

3) Critiques

? Thinking like a researcher, where are there some limitations? This is often the most difficult section for students because it seems like one would need more years of research experience to provide critiques. However, fear not, you have all the skills you need now to find areas for improvement because no piece of academic writing is ever perfect! Some helpful tips:

? If it?s an empirical study (i.e. they wrote about a study they conducted with methods and findings), what are areas of the scientific method where the study could be improved? Ex: did they have a small sample size?

? If it?s not an empirical study (e.g., it?s a paper describing a theory or an idea/argument for your research topic, are there other ways they could have been more convincing with the point they were trying to make? Any places where they were unclear?

4) Relevance:

What is it about this resource that is relevant?

What parts of this work are relevant? There should be at least one thing you can write about that is relevant to your study (my study is Divorce effects (social and emotional) on adolescent?s (13-18 years old)), or else it should not be on your literature matrix!

***Use the pdf’s attached below and follow these instructions for each one****