GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
(RRL)
Watch: [Link]
A. Understanding the Purpose of an RRL
The RRL provides background and context for the study.
It shows how the current research is connected to existing knowledge.
It identifies gaps, trends, and inconsistencies in previous studies.
B. Selecting Relevant Literature
Use scholarly and credible sources (peer-reviewed journals, academic books, theses,
reputable databases).
Choose literature directly related to your research variables.
Prefer recent studies (last 5–10 years), unless classic theories are needed.
C. Organizing the RRL by Variable
Group studies according to each research variable.
Discuss similarities, differences, and relationships among studies under the same
variable.
Avoid discussing one study per paragraph without connection to others.
D. Writing Synthesis per Variable
Combine ideas from multiple sources into one discussion.
Compare and contrast findings (e.g., agreements, contradictions, trends).
End each variable section with a short synthesis paragraph that explains how the studies
relate to your research.
E. Ethical Standards in Writing
Always cite sources properly using a consistent citation style.
Paraphrase correctly; do not copy text verbatim unless quoting.
Include all cited works in the reference list.
February 4, 2026
ACTIVITY: 1 Identifying Variables and Gathering Related Literature (Individual)
1. Write your proposed research title.
2. Identify and list your independent and dependent variables.
3. For each variable, search for at least five (5) credible and relevant studies.
4. Complete the table below for each source.
Literature Matrix (to be written by the student):
Author(s) and Year:
Title of the Study:
Research Purpose:
Variables Involved:
Key Findings:
Relevance to Your Study:
Sample Output (Example):
Research Title: Study Habits and Academic Performance of Senior High School
Students
Variables:
o Independent Variable: Study Habits
o Dependent Variable: Academic Performance
Sample Literature Matrix Entry:
Author(s) and Year: Garcia & Santos (2021)
Title of the Study: Study Habits and Academic Achievement of High School Students
Research Purpose: To determine the relationship between study habits and academic
achievement
Variables Involved: Study habits, academic achievement
Key Findings: Students with effective study habits showed higher academic performance
Relevance to Your Study: Supports the investigation of study habits as a factor affecting
academic performance
Output for Day 1: Completed literature matrix with a minimum of 10 related studies (5 per
variable).
February 5, 2026
ACTIVITY 1.2: Writing Synthesized Review per Variable (Individual)
From the two variables of your study.
Using the related studies from your literature matrix, write:
o One paragraph comparing similarities and differences among the studies
o One synthesis paragraph discussing trends, patterns, or gaps in the findings
Use proper in-text citations following APA style.
Sample Output (Example – Variable: Study Habits):
Study Habits
Several studies have examined the role of study habits in students’ academic performance.
Garcia and Santos (2021) found that consistent study schedules and note-taking significantly
improved students’ grades. Similarly, Cruz (2020) reported that time management and regular
review sessions were positively associated with higher academic achievement. However, Reyes
(2019) noted that while study habits influenced performance, motivation served as a moderating
factor that strengthened this relationship.
Overall, the reviewed studies suggest a consistent pattern indicating that effective study habits
contribute to better academic performance. Despite minor differences in focus, all studies
emphasize the importance of structured and disciplined learning behaviors. These findings
support the inclusion of study habits as a key variable in the present research and highlight the
need to further examine how these habits influence students’ academic outcomes.
Output for Day 2:
A synthesized RRL draft for your variables with proper citations.
DAY 3 ACTIVITY: Writing the Review of Related Literature for Your Own Research (By
group)
Student Task:
1. Write your complete Review of Related Literature based on your approved research
topic.
2. Organize the RRL according to your research variables.
3. For each variable:
o Discuss findings from multiple studies
o Synthesize ideas instead of summarizing studies individually
4. Observe ethical standards in writing by properly citing all sources.
5. Provide a complete reference list in the chosen citation style.
Sample Output (Excerpt Example):
Study Habits
Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of study habits in influencing students’
academic performance. Garcia and Santos (2021) emphasized that students who maintained
regular study schedules and effective note-taking strategies achieved higher academic results. In
a similar vein, Cruz (2020) found that time management and self-regulated learning practices
significantly predicted academic success. Meanwhile, Reyes (2019) argued that study habits
alone may not guarantee high performance unless accompanied by strong learning motivation.
Taken together, these studies indicate that study habits play a vital role in academic performance,
particularly when combined with motivational factors. The consistent findings across different
contexts suggest that improving students’ study habits may lead to better academic outcomes,
thereby justifying their inclusion in the present study.
Output for Day 3:
A complete and coherent Review of Related Literature with synthesis per variable.
Rubric for Review of Related Literature (Total: 100 Points)
Criteria Excellent (20) Good (16) Satisfactory (12) Needs
Improvement
(8)
1. Relevance of Sources are highly Mostly Some sources Many sources
Literature relevant and relevant loosely related irrelevant
clearly aligned sources
with research
variables
2. Synthesis per Clear, insightful Synthesis Mostly summaries No clear
Variable synthesis showing present but with minimal synthesis
strong integration limited synthesis
of studies
3. Organization Well-organized by Generally Organization Disorganized
and Coherence variable; ideas organized unclear in parts and hard to
flow logically with minor follow
issues
4. Citation and Correct and Minor Frequent citation Serious ethical
Ethical Writing consistent citation; citation issues or citation
no plagiarism errors problems
5. Writing Clear, academic, Generally Understandable Poorly written
Quality and and polished clear with but with many and unclear
Clarity writing few errors errors
Total: 100 Points
