A short analytical critique on a single research technical paper

November 7, 2007

 

Text Box: “A non-critical reader might read a history book to learn the facts of the situation or to discover an accepted interpretation of those events. A critical reader might read the same work to appreciate how a particular perspective on the events and a particular selection of facts can lead to particular understanding.” (What Is Critical Reading? Dan Kurland) 

 

 

 

 

 

Write using Colorado Technical University’s approved APA format described on the CTU Library web page (http://library.colorado-tech.com/)  a two to six page short analytical critique.

 

  • Provide a brief summary of what was done or presented in the paper.  A large part of your paper should be comprised of your critique of the work, and your suggestions for future research that would further advance the field.  Provide enough of a summary so your understanding of what was done (experiments or theory) is demonstrated.   Plainly define the claims, reasons, and or arguments along with describing the evidence the authors presented.

 

  • Explain the main contribution the authors have made to the researched field and your opinion of that contribution.
  • If there are any shortcomings in the paper, explain them and described how these might have been avoided or how they might be corrected in future studies.  Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths.  Search for and recognize an author’s purpose, look for tone and persuasive elements to recognize bias.
  • Conclude with your thoughts of the value of this paper and weather or not you would recommend it to your peers.

 

Other possible resources:

 

How to Write a Critical Analysis Paper

By Shirley Wrobleski, BS, LVT, LATG

http://www.mismr.org/services/biofocus/BF-v1i17/BioFocus_v1i17.pdf

 

 

How to Write a Critical Review (Summarize a Research Article)
Darren Smith's HCC Homepage

http://www.hccfl.edu/adjunct/darren_smith/bbs-gwcr.htm