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Free Literature Review Templates (Word)

Research
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Templates

FAQ

How do I decide between an ‘Examples of Literature Reviews’ template and a ‘Systematic Literature Review’ template?

Use the ‘Examples’ template if you’re summarizing existing literature for a short assignment or report where a narrative overview suffices. Opt for the ‘Systematic’ template when conducting rigorous research, like a dissertation or grant, where you must methodically evaluate studies using predefined criteria (e.g., publication dates, study designs). The latter includes space for protocols and bias assessments.

Can I use these templates for a literature review that isn’t in APA style?

Yes, but you’ll need to manually adjust headings, citation formats, and reference lists to match your required style (e.g., MLA, Chicago). These templates are APA-centric, so non-APA users should start with the ‘Literature Review Template’ and replace placeholders like ‘(Author, Year)’ with your style’s conventions. For non-academic reviews (e.g., corporate or policy documents), simplify the structure but retain the thematic organization.

What’s the difference between a ‘Literature Review Template’ and an ‘Example of Literature Review APA’?

The ‘Literature Review Template’ is a blank framework with labeled sections (e.g., ‘Theoretical Background,’ ‘Gaps in Research’) for you to fill in. The ‘Example of Literature Review APA’ is a fully written sample showing how sources are cited, paraphrased, and synthesized in APA style. Use the template if you’re starting from scratch; use the example if you’re stuck on phrasing, transitions, or how to integrate quotes. Pair them for clarity.

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