Reading Journal Articles Critically
This workshop will:
− Introduce you to the idea of critiquing and analysis tools
− Show you how to apply one model of reading analysis
− Highlight how to find gaps in author’s logic and points to critique
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
The Plan…
1. Understanding critiquing tools
2. Applying the Code to introductions
3. Identifying gaps or points to critique
in research articles
This booklet extensively adapts from Shon (2012)
1.Understanding critiquing tools
Critiquing tools
A. understand how research is done and
what it has found out
B. assess the quality of research by
questioning what has been written
1.Understanding critiquing tools
2 examples of critiquing tools
• Quantitative research:
• Coughlan et al (2007)
• Qualitative and quantitative:
• Adapted from Caldwell et al (2011)
1.Understanding critiquing tools
Dr. Philip Shon’s Coding System
• 14 acronyms
• Right hand margins
• Full code in booklet
2. Applying the Code to Introductions
Race, gender, and
the newsworthiness of homicide incidents
•
•
•
•
•
Paragraph 1: SPL, CPL, GAP
Paragraph 2: CPL, GAP
Paragraph 3: RAT
Paragraph 4: WTD
Flow
SPL
CPL
GAP
RAT
WTD
2. Applying the Code to Introductions
Wheeled Mobile Robots
• Paragraph 1: SPL 3rd; CPL last, GAP part
of last: ‘for which…relevant question.’
• Paragraph 2: Rat 5th, WTD 6th, SPL 2nd
and 3rd
• Flow:
SPL
CPL
GAP
SPL
RAT
WTD
2. Applying the Code to Introductions
Activity 1: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• SPL: 3rd
• CPL: 4th
• GAP: 4th
• Rat:
• WTD: Last
• Flow:
SPL
CPL
GAP
WTD
3. Identifying Gaps or Points to Critique
• MOP: Missed Obvious Point to earlier
literature
• POC: Point of Critique re any gaps or
limitations
• RPP: Relevant Point to Pursue to use for
your own purposes
References
Bastin, G., Campion, G, and D’Andréa-Novel, B. (1996) Structural Properties
and Classification of Kinematic and Dynamic Models of Wheeled Mobile Robots.
IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation. Vol 12: 1, February., pp.47-62
[online] Available at: http://perso.uclouvain.be/georges.bastin/paper37.pdf
[Accessed 17.7.2014]
Caldwell, K., Henshaw, L., and Taylor, G. (2011) Developing a Framework for
Critiquing Health Research: An Early Evaluation. Nurse Education Today. Vol.
31 (No. 8) pp. e1-e7
Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., and Ryan, F. (2007) Step-by-step guide to critiquing
research – Part 1: quantitative research. British Journal of Nursing. Vol. 16 (No.
11) pp. 658-663.
Gruenewald, J., Pizarro, J., and Chermak, S. (2009) Race, gender, and the
newsworthiness of homicide incidents. Journal of Criminal Justice. Issue 37. pp.
262–272. [online] Available at:
file:///C:/Users/lclivese/Desktop/Predicting%20Crime%20Story%20Salience.pdf
[Accessed 17.5.2014]
References
Pollard, C. (2013). Physiotherapy Management of complex regional pain syndrome. New
Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 41(2). July, pp. 65-72 [online] Available at:
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=1661dca1-fb3d-4e3a-b91e3a0b80676ae9%40sessionmgr198&vid=2&hid=125 [Accessed 17.7.2014]
Pritchard, D. and Hughes, K. (1997) Patterns of Deviance in Crime News. Journal of
Communication. Issue: 47(3). Summer. pp.49-67 [online] Available at:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1460-2466.1997.tb02716.x/pdf
[Accessed 17.5.2014]
Shumaker, D. and Prinz, R. (2000) Children Who Murder: A Review. Clinical Child and
Family Psychology Review. Vol. 3 (2) pp. 97-115 [online] Available at:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1009560602970#page-1 [Accessed
3.6.2014]
Shon, P. (2012) How to Read Journal Articles in Social Science. London: Sage
Publications Ltd.
Academic Skills Advice Service
• Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23
• What do we do? Support undergraduate students with
their academic skills by running clinics and workshops,
having bookable appointment slots, and enabling
students to drop-in for Instant Action.
• Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths
Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study
skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops
• When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face
and on-line
• How do I get in touch? Email: academicskills@brad.ac.uk or website www.brad.ac.uk/academicskills
Any questions?