
Writing a critical review: What does critically evaluating the literature mean?
- Asking the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’, not the ‘whats’
- This means being analytical, not just descriptive. You need to:
- Consider how valid and reliable the research is
- What are its strengths and weaknesses?
- Consider how applicable to your research question the research is
- Draw comparisons with other research findings
- Ask the ‘why’ questions, like:
- Why do the results differ from findings of other similar research?
- What explanations have the authors suggested and are there alternatives?
- Make links with practice and wider populations where appropriate
We have a checklist of questions to ask which will help you.