The literature review is a crucial component of the capstone project change proposal. It serves as a comprehensive analysis of the current research and evidence supporting the problem or issue identified in the project. This review not only demonstrates the student’s understanding of the research in their field but also enables them to identify gaps in the knowledge and contribute to the existing body of literature.
To begin the literature review, students should refer to their earlier assignments, the PICOT Question Paper, and Literature Evaluation Table. These assignments provide the foundation for developing a coherent and well-structured review. The students should aim to write a review that is approximately 750-1,000 words in length, with clear sections and subheadings.
The first section of the literature review should provide an introduction to the topic, including a brief overview of the problem or issue identified in the capstone project change proposal. This section should also include a clear and concise statement of the PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Timeframe) question, stating what is known and what is not known in the evidence. The PICOT question serves as the guiding framework for the literature review.
The next section of the literature review should focus on the analysis of current research that supports the PICOT question. Here, students should evaluate and synthesize the existing literature, identifying key studies, theories, and concepts that are relevant to their topic. This analysis should highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current research, revealing any gaps or limitations in the available evidence.
In addition to analyzing the existing research, students should also discuss how the current evidence aligns with their proposed change proposal. They should critically evaluate the literature to determine whether it supports or challenges their proposed intervention or solution. This analysis will help students refine their proposal and provide a stronger foundation for their implementation plan.
Furthermore, the literature review should address any ethical considerations or implications related to the proposed change. This section should analyze the ethical aspects of the current research and discuss how these considerations might impact the implementation of the proposed change. Ethical considerations may include issues of informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, and potential harm to participants.
Finally, the literature review should conclude with a summary of the key findings and a discussion of the implications for practice and future research. The students should highlight any gaps they have identified in the literature and suggest areas for further study. This section should emphasize the significance of the proposed change and provide a rationale for its implementation based on the available evidence.
While the literature review does not require an abstract, students should ensure that they adhere to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) style for formatting and referencing. Proper citation and referencing are essential for maintaining academic integrity and acknowledging the contributions of other scholars in the field.
In conclusion, the literature review is a critical component of the capstone project change proposal. It allows students to analyze and synthesize the existing research, identify gaps in the knowledge, and contribute to the existing body of literature. By examining the current evidence and aligning it with their proposed change, students can develop a strong foundation for their implementation plan.
