Critical Analysis

Aims of session

To explore the meaning of critical analysis

To develop critical thinking skills

To begin analysing a research-based article

Critical analysis - what is it?

`In academic terms, critical analysis means considering the claims of theorists, governments, authorities and so on, what they are based on, and how far they seem to apply or be relevant to a given situation’. (Univ of Sussex Language Institute (1998) Critical Analysis, Argument and Opinion. [online] http://www.sussex.ac.uk/langc/skills/conc-det.html [Accessed 28.06.04]

Bloom’s (1956) Hierarchy of Thinking SkillsEvaluate

(Make judgments about the value of ideas or information)

Synthesize(Combine ideas or information into something new)

Analyse(Make a systematic and detailed examination of an argument

or piece of research)

Apply(Use knowledge)

Comprehend(Have understanding)

Know(Be aware of something, recall information)

Differences between descriptive and critical analytical writing

Descriptive writing Critical analytic writingStates what happened Identifies its significance

States what something is like

Evaluates strengths and weaknesses

Lists details Evaluates relative significance of details

States the order in which things happened

Makes reasoned judgments

Says how to do something Argues a case according to the evidence

Differences between descriptive and critical analytical writingDescriptive writing Critical analytic writingExplains what a theory says Shows why something is

relevant or suitableNotes the method used Identifies whether it is

appropriate or usefulSays when something occurred

Identifies why the timing is important

States the different components

Weighs up the importance of different component parts

States options Gives reasons for selecting options

Source: Cottrell, S. (2003).The Study Skills Handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. p232.

Doing a critical appraisal

What is the purpose of a critical appraisal?

A critical appraisal dissects the research paper, looking at its separate components

A critical appraisal comments on the paper as a whole

What are the key components of an article based on primary research?

Abstract Introduction Literature review Research methods Data analysis/findings Discussion Conclusion

Interrogating an article: a critiquing framework

The Introduction

Are the research aims/questions clearly stated?

Is there a clear rationale for the research?

Are key concepts clearly defined?

Interrogating an article: the literature review

What is the present state of play in relation to the topic?

Are a range of up-to-date sources reviewed?

Are key themes in the literature discussed and their significance shown?

Are gaps in the literature identified?

Interrogating an article: the research methods

Is the context of the research clear? Are the research methods appropriate to

the research questions)? Is there any evidence of triangulation? Are methods clearly justified? How is the research sample selected, and

is it an appropriate sample for the research questions?

Are the methods well executed? Are ethical issues addressed?

Interrogating an article: the data analysis

Are the main findings described clearly? Are they clearly related to the original research

questions? Are they presented in a format that is appropriate

for the findings? Is the interpretation of the data consistent with

the evidence? Are the findings significant? If quantitative: Are the data analysed using

appropriate statistical tools? If qualitative: Selection of data presented?

Whose voice is dominant?

Interrogating an article: the discussion

How are the data from the research related back to the literature and to other findings?

Does the research support or challenge existing thinking or practice?

Does the research suggest recommendations for practice, or areas for further research?

Is the author reflective on her/his work or self-critical?

Interrogating an article: the conclusion

Are the threads of the argument drawn together clearly?

Are the research questions answered and research aims fulfilled?

What does the research contribute to the field?

Interrogating an article: Overall evaluation

Strengths and weaknesses The article as a whole: structure and

argument What is its USP?

Activity: Developing your skills

Preparing to write your review:In pairs: Use the critiquing framework

provided to analyse the article. Review 2 sections of the article Feedback to group

Writing your review

Use the statements below to write a brief review of your article: The aims of this article are In her introduction, the author

claims that The literature review Her argument is She concludes that Whilst the author does