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Writing a critical review - Questions to ask:

  • Was the sample size big enough to allow findings to generalise to other populations?
  • Did attrition affect the results?
  • Were the inclusion criteria too wide or narrow?
  • Were there flaws in the research design?
  • Quantitative research: were participants randomly assigned to groups in a double blinded fashion? Was there a control group?
  • Qualitative research: Were interview guides piloted? Were measures taken to enhance the credibility of data analyses? Do the researchers declare any personal biases that may have influenced their interpretation of results?
  • Is the source credible? Is it a peer-reviewed journal or unknown website?
  • When was the article published? Is it recent?
  • Does the study explain the results (or simply just describe)?
  • Has the author(s) considered how the results apply to wider populations or practice settings?
  • Has the study addressed a ‘gap’ in the literature?
  • Are the conclusions final or preliminary? What further research is required?
  • Overall how good do you think the article is?
  • Check out our full listing of questions for more suggestions
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Creative Commons Licence
PILOT - Writing a critical review by Steve Draper, Glasgow University, Dr Jane McKay, GCU modified by Marion Kelt, Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.psy.gla.ac.uk/~steve/resources/crs.html.