To ensure that students are on track, submit a 2‐3 page double‐spaced APA formatted justification for your topic of interest. This justification should be written in formal academic language and be st

To ensure that students are on track, submit a 2‐3 page double‐spaced APA formatted justification for your topic of interest. This justification should be written in formal academic language and be structured like the introduction to a literature review paper (many students use this as a rough, rough draft of the final paper). See here for an example of what I am looking for

At this point in the course, you should have read several papers related to your topic. Thus, the justification for the literature review should rest on empirical evidence related to your topic. Support the claims you make (e.g., that a gap exists or that a controversy exists) using empirical evidence from the articles you’ve read.

It must include the following components:

• A clear thesis statement describing the topic as well as what specific aspects of the topic will be discussed in the final literature review paper.
• A statement or discussion about the theoretical importance* of the topic. That is, how does research on the topic relate to theoretical or methodological questions (see the document “comparing literature reviews to introduction sections” for more information about the three types of literature reviews discussed below). This should include a discussion of one of the following
• Include an outline of specific topics to be discussed in an appendix following the reference page

Please make this justification concise and brief**. Do not turn in your entire literature review, but provide a short summary of the above. Include a reference page for cited sources (with correct APA style formatting).

*It is more important that you defend the theoretical importance of your topic than defend the practical importance of your topic in most cases. Exceptions include a literature review on an applied research topic. For example, if your topic is on an applied topic such as training commercial air pilots, then the practical importance should be fleshed out (e.g., training could decrease landing and take off errors by 15%). However, if your topic is based on basic research (e.g., the effects of ostracism or rejection) then do not discuss the practical importance too much since your paper will be about theory. 

** Please be sure to paraphrase and remember that you should not more than 50 words of quotes for every 10,000 words. If you cannot state your ideas in your own words, it is possible that you do not understand the literature well enough. Re-read and take notes on your reports so that you fully comprehend and are able to write about your area of research.

Rubric Lit Review Justification Lit Review Justification Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome A clear thesis statement describing the topic as well as what specific aspects of the topic will be discussed in the final literature review paper is provided 10 pts Excellent 8 pts Good 7 pts Fair 6 pts Poor 10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome A statement or discussion about the theoretical importance* of the topic. This describes a gap in the literature, a controversy, or state of the art. 15 pts Excellent 13 pts Good 12 pts Fair 10 pts Poor 15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Includes an outline of specific topics to be discussed in an appendix following the reference page 10 pts Excellent 8 pts Good 7 pts Fair 6 pts Poor 10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Well written and organized 5 pts Excellent 4 pts Good 3 pts Fair 2 pts Poor 5 pts