# Literature Review Paper Template

## Usage
This template provides the skeleton for a thematic literature review paper that synthesizes existing research, identifies gaps, and proposes future directions.

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# [Paper Title in Title Case]

**Author(s):** [Author Name(s)]
**Affiliation(s):** [Department, Institution]
**Date:** [Date]

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## Abstract

[Background and rationale: 1-2 sentences.]
[Purpose and scope of the review: 1 sentence.]
[Method: 1 sentence on search strategy and source selection.]
[Key findings from the synthesis: 2-3 sentences.]
[Implications and identified gaps: 1-2 sentences.]

**Keywords**: [keyword1], [keyword2], [keyword3], [keyword4], [keyword5]

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## 1. Introduction

### 1.1 Topic and Rationale
[Why is this literature review needed? What makes it timely?]
[2 paragraphs with citations]

### 1.2 Scope and Boundaries
[What is included and excluded? Time period? Disciplines? Geographies?]
[1 paragraph]

### 1.3 Review Methodology
[Search strategy: databases, keywords, inclusion/exclusion criteria.]
[Number of sources reviewed.]
[1-2 paragraphs]

### 1.4 Organization of the Review
[Preview the thematic structure.]
[1 paragraph]

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## 2. [Theme 1: Descriptive Title]

### 2.1 [Sub-Theme A]
[Review literature on this sub-theme.]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 2.2 [Sub-Theme B]
[Review literature on this sub-theme.]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 2.3 Summary of Theme 1
[What does the literature collectively tell us about this theme?]
[1 paragraph]

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## 3. [Theme 2: Descriptive Title]

### 3.1 [Sub-Theme A]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 3.2 [Sub-Theme B]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 3.3 Summary of Theme 2
[1 paragraph]

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## 4. [Theme 3: Descriptive Title]

### 4.1 [Sub-Theme A]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 4.2 [Sub-Theme B]
[2-3 paragraphs with citations]

### 4.3 Summary of Theme 3
[1 paragraph]

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## 5. Cross-Cutting Synthesis

### 5.1 Convergent Findings
[What do the themes agree on? What patterns emerge across themes?]
[1-2 paragraphs]

### 5.2 Divergent Findings and Debates
[Where do researchers disagree? What are the unresolved debates?]
[1-2 paragraphs]

### 5.3 Methodological Observations
[What methods dominate? What methods are underused?]
[1 paragraph]

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## 6. Research Gaps and Future Directions

### 6.1 Identified Gaps
[List and discuss 3-5 specific gaps in the literature.]
[1-2 paragraphs]

### 6.2 Proposed Research Agenda
[What should future researchers investigate? What methods should they use?]
[1-2 paragraphs]

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## 7. Conclusion

### 7.1 Key Takeaways
[Summarize the 3-5 most important insights from the review.]

### 7.2 Implications for Practice and Policy
[How should practitioners or policymakers use these insights?]

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## AI Disclosure
[Standard AI disclosure statement.]

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## References
[Complete reference list in selected citation format.]
