The main goal of RRL is not just to summarize, but to perform this critical function on existing literature.
Synthesis
This approach groups literature based on recurring concepts, key variables, or repeating arguments.
Thematic
What APA Stand for
American Psychological Association
This is the longest and most critical part of the RRL where you actually synthesize and evaluate the sources.
Body
This approach traces the development of research and theories over time, starting from the earliest studies and progressing to the most recent.
Chronological
The Latin abbreviation used in APA 7th edition when citing a source with three or more authors.
et al.
This approach groups studies by the type of research design they used (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative).
Methodological
The two types of in-text citations differentiated by APA 7th edition guidelines.
Parenthetical and Narrative