Format for a review paper
Title page:
Title–reflecting topic of review
Your Name
Date
Abstract: An abstract should be of approximately 200-300 words. Provide a brief summary of
the review question being addressed or rationale for the review, the major studies reviewed,
and conclusions drawn. Please do not cite references in the Abstract.
Introduction: Introduce the topic and your rationale for addressing this topic focusing on why
this topic is important. Clearly define exactly what this article will discuss, outline the order in
which you will discuss each subtopic to give the reader any background information needed to
understand the coming sections.
Body (subtopics being addressed): Although the structure may vary based in the sub-topics or
review questions being addresses. For example, if you are reviewing three different
methodologies, you might divide the body of the article into three sections, each discussing one
of the methods. In these sections, be sure to describe the research methods and evaluate how
studies were conducted focusing on the study design and analysis e.g., intention to treat versus
completers/retention rate, compare studies, and discuss their implications.
Conclusions: You should develop the conclusion by briefly restating the rationale for your
review and the purpose of the article, then discussing the conclusions you have drawn. You
should also discuss the implications of your review findings and where you think research in this
field should go from here.
Literature Cited: Use a standardized referencing system. A widely used one in the medical
literature is the AMA style.
Information in this Guide was obtained from:
http://www.ugresearchsci.ucla.edu/pdfs/USJ%20Submission%20Guidelines%20for%20Review%
20Articles%202013-2014.pdf
Form of Paper:
• Rubric for research paper (must be given to students with syllabus):
• Word count suggested 2750 words but at least 1500 words. Narrative should be succinct
and avoid redundancy.
• Contains all components of standard format for a review paper (see Format for a Review
Paper on blackboard)
• At least 10 total primary research and/or scientific articles must be cited in text – many
can be used in intro section.
• Body must include discussion of results across a minimum of 3 primary research papers.
Review Paper Format and Grading Rubric
1. Title – complete sentence title is descriptive of the overall review (2%)
2. Abstract: summarizes all sections (8.5%):
a. 1-3 sentences for intro including the objectives for the review
b. 2-4 sentences of key findings
c. 2-3 sentences summarizing discussion and conclusions
3. Table of contents: themes dealt on paper (2%)
4. Intro: state background on topic, relevance and objectives including in text citations of
introductory papers. (12.5%)
5. Body of the review (35%):
a. Structure in thematic subheadings properly labeled by conclusions
b. Each subsection author paraphrases key conclusions, critique and discussions showing
how the results including key figures/data from the articles reviewed.
6. Conclusions (30%): summarizes key findings from the body of the review and considers future
directions.
7. References (5%) – style and choice with suggestions; include style sheet, Vancouver, APA, AMA,
Harvard. Suggest the use of RefWorks.
8. Mechanics (5%): at least 1500 words, grammar, and spelling.
The student must meet with a mentor at least four times during the course of the semester with paper
The student is encouraged to choose a topic that is socially relevant. Papers based on student research
are also encouraged. However, if the paper involves student research it should be broader than just the
experiment that the student performed. Writing a paper on the pathology and treatment of a disease is
not acceptable. However, papers on the genetics, molecular biology or epidemiology of a disease may be
permitted.
For the 7 other resources try and use the sources found at the end of each paper.
For paper 1 use only figures 2-4
For paper 2 use only figures 1-4
For paper 3 use only figures 2, 3, and 5