Critical Appraisal or Critiquing the Literature
Reading critically
The Sage Research Methods Online database (SRMO) is a good source of full text electronic Books, chapters, and articles on a range of research methodologies. It includes a wide range of items in relation to literature review processes, and importantly how to read critically.
Examples are:
Goodwyn, A. & Stables, A. W. (2004). Learning to Read Critically: Learning to read critically in language and literacy : SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781849209410
Quinton, S. & Smallbone, T. (2006). How to read critically. In Sage Study Skills: Postgraduate research in business (pp. 81-96). : SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781849209564.n6
Evaluating Sources
Evaluating sources
While you are searching for relevant information about your topic you will need to think about the accuracy of the information, whether the information is from a reputable source, whether it is objective and current. The basic criteria for assessing information and questions you might want to think about are listed below.
Accuracy
- Is the information reliable?
- Is the information error-free?
- Is the information based on proven facts?
- Can the information be verified against other reliable sources?
Authority
- Who is the author?
- Does he or she have the qualifications to speak/write on that topic?
- Is the author affiliated with a reputable university or organization in this subject field?
- Is the source peer reviewed or refereed?
Objectivity
- What is the intended purpose of the information?
- Is the information fact or opinion?
- Is the information biased?
Currency
- When was the information published?
- Is the information current or out-dated?
- Does currency matter in this topic?
Coverage
- Does the information covered meet your information needs?
- Does it provide basic or in depth coverage
Further Reading:
-
Evaluating Research in Academic Journals-6th Ed by
ISBN: 9781936523344Publication Date: 2014ebook