A short analytical critique on a single research technical paper

11 October 2008
 

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) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions to ask when reading a research technical paper

1.      What is the motivation of the research?

2.      Is there a gap in the literature on this subject this paper identifies?

3.      What is the research goal(s)? 

4.      What is the research question(s)?

5.      What are the assumptions of the study/research?

6.      Do you foresee a possible invalidation based on the assumptions?

7.      What is/are the research method(s)?

8.      Are the research methods appropriate to the research question?

9.      Is the H0 (Null Hypothesis) testable?

10.  What is the timeline?

11.  What are the data collection techniques?

12.  What is the research contribution?

13.  What are the research findings?

14.  What are the research implications for practitioners and other researchers?

15.  What are the suggestions for future research?

16.  What are the limitations of the research?

17.  What is the papers conclusion?

18.  What is your conclusion of the research?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write using Regis University’s approved APA format 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)
http://www.learn.maine.edu/ocls/criticalreview.php