How to critique a research paper: See appendix D – Guidelines for the critical evaluation of a Journal paper. There are also some
supporting materials which will be shared with you in classes (Click the links to access the papers):
- Key reading 1: Heale and Twycross (2015) Validity and reliability in quantitative studies.
- Key reading 2: Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research. British journal of nursing, 16(11), 658-663.
Worksheets – how to evaluate quantitative research (see Minerva) - Key reading 1: Shenton (2004) Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research projects.
- Key reading 2: Ryan, F., Coughlan, M., & Cronin, P. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2: Qualitative research. British journal of nursing, 16(12), 738-744.
Worksheets – how to evaluate qualitative research (see Minerva) - Assessment Criteria for this assignment are drawn from Taught Postgraduate Framework:
Demonstrate knowledge at or near the current limits of understanding,
within a specific area of: - Alternative approaches/theoretical perspectives;
- Research findings
Appendix D – Guidelines for the critical evaluation of a Journal paper assignment
The following indicative structure and prompt questions may be helpful to your first assignment – evaluating a published research paper:
Title page, bearing in order: Analysis of a research paper – “title of the chosen paper and its reference”, your name, and the workshop instructor’s name.
1. Introduction
- the reasons why the journal paper is chosen
- Aims to achieve for this assignment.
- Key components included in the main body.
1. A brief summary of the main elements of this chosen paper
- the aim and purpose of the research
- In what context was the research conducted
- Theoretical framework
- Methodology
- Major findings
2. Philosophical foundation of the chosen paper
- Discuss the epistemological and ontological foundation of the research paper
- Any implicit assumptions and their relations to the nature of the research
- How do the research paradigm relate to the research methods?
3. Methodology and data analysis
- Is there a rationale of the methodological decisions and approaches
- Evaluate the rigour/quality of the methodology based on appropriate
criteria - Validity and reliability for quantitative data
- Trustworthiness for qualitative data
- How does the data collection methods relate to the aims of the research/research questions?
- Are there any possible alternative analyses or explanations of the data?
4. Other potential issues
- What ethical questions were addressed by the researcher (if any)?
- What researcher effects were discussed and were potentially of concern?
- Weaknesses and strengths of this research
5. Conclusions
- How would you evaluate the quality of the research study overall?
- How has your critique and evaluation of these studies informed your understanding of research and/or your own approach to research in the future?
6. Reference
Please use research methods literature to support your analysis for this assignment.
