A literature review raises questions by evaluating literature on a topic in your field. It is a useful, well-planned, critical piece of writing, organised into themes, to combine and evaluate the literature about a topic. A literature review is often used to situate a thesis, a research question, or a point of practice. The aim in this assignment is to deepen understandings of the evidence upon which Nurse Practitioner practices/roles stand. Therefore, the topic for this literature review is ‘the Nurse Practitioner’.
Descriiption
‘Literature’ in an academic context, and for the purposes of this assignment, means peer reviewed published books and journal articles, government reports, theses, and published guidelines. A literature review analyses what has already been said on the topic, who the key writers are, what the prevailing theories are, what is useful to practice, and where the silences are.
By providing a critical discussion on the existing literature of a topic, your literature review will include rhetorical purpose, augmentation, synthesis and voice:
Rhetorical purpose The purpose of the literature review is to demonstrate immersion in, and understanding of, the field of knowledge on this topic and to provide an authoritative overview, a critical summary, and, potentially, a context for research. Example questions to deepen immersion in the field could be:
o What are the key sources, theories, and concepts?
o How is knowledge on the topic structured and organised?
o What are the common methodologies?
o What are the main questions and answers that have been addressed to date?
o What are the current debates/issues?
Argumentation The literature review presents an argument that leads to an identifiable ‘gap’ in existing research.
Synthesis and voice It is essential that students include their own critical voice threaded throughout the literature. Simply including a list of quotes or ideas from existing literature will not suffice. Students must provide the critical discussion, analysis and evaluation of the state of the literature.
APA 7th references
