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Writing a Literature Review for Capstone Project Change Proposal

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While the implementation plan prepares students to apply their research to the problem or issue they have identified for their capstone project change proposal, the literature review enables students to map out and move into the active planning and development stages of the project.
A literature review analyzes how current research supports the PICOT, as well as identifies what is known and what is not known in the evidence. Students will use the PICOT question from the earlier “PICOT Question” template and information from the “Literature Evaluation Table” assignment to develop a review.
Using eight peer-reviewed articles, write 750-1,000-word review that includes the following sections:
Introduction section (including PICOT Question)
A summary of the purpose of the studies
A comparison of sample populations
A synthesis of the studies’ conclusions (when looking at all of the studies together, group the conclusions by themes )
A summary of the limitations of the studies
A conclusion section, incorporating recommendations for further research
You are required to cite a minimum of eight peer-reviewed articles to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the past 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Let’s break down your task step-by-step to make sure you can complete your literature review with ease and clarity. This review is a key part of your capstone project change proposal and will help you connect research to your PICOT question.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Literature Review

What you need to do: A literature review is not just a summary of articles. It’s an analysis of current research, showing how studies support your PICOT question and where knowledge gaps remain.
Why: This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the research surrounding your topic, as well as identify areas where more information or research is needed.

Step 2: Using the PICOT Question

What you need to do: Start with your PICOT question (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time). This question will guide your search and help focus your review.
Why: Your PICOT question is the foundation of your literature review because it defines the research question and directs your analysis of the studies.

Step 3: Gather Eight Peer-Reviewed Articles

What you need to do: Search for eight peer-reviewed articles that are relevant to your PICOT question and nursing practice. These articles should be published within the last five years.
Why: Using current and credible sources ensures your literature review reflects the most up-to-date research, which is essential for your project’s success.

Step 4: Writing the Introduction

What you need to do: Begin with a brief introduction that provides background on your PICOT question. Explain why this topic is important and relevant to nursing practice.
Why: The introduction sets the stage for your literature review. It helps your reader understand the focus of your review and why your research question is significant in the nursing field.

Step 5: Summarizing the Purpose of the Studies

What you need to do: For each of the eight studies, summarize the purpose of the research. What were the researchers trying to find out or prove? Be clear and concise in your summaries.
Why: Summarizing the purpose helps connect each study to your overall PICOT question and shows how the research contributes to understanding the topic.

Step 6: Comparing Sample Populations

What you need to do: Compare the sample populations in each study. For example, how many participants were there? What were their demographics (age, gender, health condition, etc.)?
Why: The sample population impacts the validity and generalizability of the study results. By comparing sample populations, you can assess the applicability of the studies to your specific PICOT question.

Step 7: Synthesizing the Studies’ Conclusions

What you need to do: After reviewing the studies, group the conclusions by themes. For example, if multiple studies found similar results, group them together and explain the common conclusions.
Why: Synthesizing the studies allows you to present a coherent summary of the evidence. You’ll be able to show patterns in the research and how the studies support your PICOT question.

Step 8: Identifying the Limitations of the Studies

What you need to do: Each study has limitations. Look for things like small sample sizes, biases, or methodological flaws. Be sure to mention these in your review.
Why: Acknowledging limitations helps provide a balanced view of the research. It shows that you’ve critically analyzed the studies, considering both strengths and weaknesses.

Step 9: Writing the Conclusion

What you need to do: Summarize the findings from the studies, focusing on the key conclusions. Then, recommend areas for further research that could help address any gaps or limitations you identified.
Why: The conclusion wraps up your review and provides suggestions for future research, which can be important for advancing nursing practice in your area of focus.

Step 10: Citing Your Sources

What you need to do: Ensure that all eight peer-reviewed articles are cited in APA format. This includes both in-text citations and a complete reference list at the end of your review.
Why: Proper citation ensures your work is credible and meets academic standards. It also helps avoid plagiarism.

Step 11: Review and Revise Your Work

What you need to do: After writing your literature review, go back and review it carefully. Check for clarity, coherence, and flow. Ensure that you’ve addressed every part of the assignment and followed the APA guidelines.
Why: Reviewing your work ensures that your writing is clear and that your analysis makes sense. This will improve the quality of your assignment.

Good luck with your literature review! Just take it step-by-step, and you’ll have a strong and cohesive review to support your capstone project change proposal. Keep the focus on your PICOT question, and you’ll make a compelling argument for the evidence you’ve reviewed.