Understanding Literature Review Reference Lists

A literature review reference list is a crucial component of any research paper, especially in the fields of education and social sciences. It provides a comprehensive overview of existing research, showcasing the sources that informed the study. Below are three diverse examples that illustrate how to format a literature review reference list effectively, ensuring clarity and precision for your readers.

Example 1: Academic Journal Articles

In this format, academic journal articles are cited to provide evidence of existing research. This is particularly useful for a literature review focusing on educational theories and practices.

Smith, J. (2020). The impact of collaborative learning on student engagement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 456-467. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000456
Johnson, L., & Lee, R. (2019). Technology integration in classrooms: A systematic review. Educational Technology Research and Development, 67(2), 289-307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09665-0

These articles provide foundational insights into the subjects of collaborative learning and technology in education, critical for understanding current trends and methodologies.

Notes:

• Ensure to use the correct citation style (APA, MLA, etc.) as per your institution’s guidelines.
• Include DOIs when available for easier access to the articles.

Example 2: Books and Edited Volumes

When conducting a literature review, it is often essential to reference books that provide comprehensive insights or theories in education. This example highlights how to cite various types of books.

Brown, T. (2018). Innovative Teaching Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide. New York, NY: Education Press.
Davis, K., & Thompson, M. (Eds.). (2021). Handbook of Educational Research. Chicago, IL: Academic Publishers.

Books often offer extensive coverage on specific topics, making them invaluable resources for literature reviews. They can provide theoretical frameworks or summarize extensive research findings.

Notes:

• Always italicize book titles and use proper punctuation.
• If the book has multiple editions, include the edition number in parentheses after the title.

Example 3: Theses and Dissertations

Including theses and dissertations in a literature review can provide insights into specialized research that may not yet be published in journals. This example showcases how to format these references.

Garcia, A. (2022). The role of parental involvement in academic achievement: A qualitative study (Master’s thesis, University of Education). Retrieved from https://repository.university.edu/thesis/garcia2022
Nguyen, H. (2021). Exploring the effects of mindfulness on student performance (Doctoral dissertation, University of Learning). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Theses and dissertations can offer unique perspectives or data that are not yet widely circulated in the academic community, making them valuable additions to your literature review.

Notes:

• Specify the type of thesis or dissertation in the citation (e.g., Master’s, Doctoral).
• Include retrieval information if the document is available online.