What is a literature review?
A literature is a paper that reviews and discusses the research in a particular subject area on a particular topic within a distinct time period. For example, reviewing the long-term effects of divorce on children and reviewing the research from 2010-2020. As researchers, literature reviews are useful resources to look at the works on a topic in a field and can provide background information. Knowing what is available in the field, where there may be gaps, and the credibility of the authors can help us start our own research.
Unlike, a research paper where you are developing a thesis and argument, a literature review serves as a summary of the available research and arguments already existing on a topic. Think synthesis and summary for literature reviews.
This website from UNC Writing Center has additional information on strategies for writing a literature review.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by Citing Personal Communications--Emails, Interviews, Lectures, etc. in APA Format
Emails, letters, memos, telephone conversations, lectures, course materials handed out in class or provided via Blackboard, and personal interviews are considered personal communications in APA. This type of communication can be difficult to provide recoverable data; therefore, these types of communication are not included in the Reference list. Cite personal communications within the body of your paper only. Information on citing communications.
Example:
In an interview, Sally Shoefeld explained the treatment for an accident victim (personal communication, December 18, 2023).
Note: For more information about interviews, https://apastyle.apa.org/learn/faqs/cite-interview
Resources for Writing in Social Psychology
Examples:
