Why critically analyse research

Here are some critical questions to consider when evaluating a research paper. Look at the Abstract and then the Discussion : Are these accessible and of general relevance or are they detailed, with far-reaching conclusions? Is it clear why the study was undertaken? Why are the conclusions important? Does the study add anything new to current knowledge and understanding?

The reasons why a particular study design or statistical method were chosen should also be clear from reading a research paper. What is the research question being asked? Does the study test a stated hypothesis?

Is the design of the study appropriate to the research question? Have the authors considered the limitations of their study and have they discussed these in context? Take a look at the Methods : Were there any practical difficulties that could have compromised the study or its implementation? Were these considered in the protocol? Were there any missing values and, if so, was the number of missing values too large to permit meaningful analysis? Was the number of samples cases or participants too small to establish meaningful significance?

Do the study methods address key potential sources of bias? If controls are missing or not appropriate to the study design, we cannot be confident that the results really show what is happening in an experiment.

Were the statistical analyses appropriate and applied correctly? Do the authors point out the limitations of methods or tests used? Were the methods referenced and described in sufficient detail for others to repeat or extend the study? Take a look at the Results section and relevant tables and figures : Is there a clear statement of findings? Were the results expected?

Do they make sense? What data supports them? Do the tables and figures clearly describe the data highlighting trends etc. Try to distinguish between what the data show and what the authors say they show i. Moving on to look in greater depth at the Discussion and Conclusion : Are the results discussed in relation to similar previous studies? Do the authors indulge in excessive speculation? Are limitations of the study adequately addressed?

Were the objectives of the study met and the hypothesis supported or refuted and is a clear explanation provided? Maybe there is only one experiment to support a point. More often, several different experiments or approaches combine to support a particular conclusion.

A rule of thumb here is that if multiple approaches and multiple lines of evidence from different directions are presented, and all point to the same conclusion, then the conclusions are more credible.

But do question all assumptions. Identify any implicit or hidden assumptions that the authors may have used when interpreting their data. Be wary of data that is mixed up with interpretation and speculation! Remember, just because it is published, does not mean that it is right. O ther points you should consider when evaluating a research paper : Are there any financial, ethical or other conflicts of interest associated with the study, its authors and sponsors?

Are there ethical concerns with the study itself? Looking at the references, consider if the authors have preferentially cited their own previous publications i.

The above can be taken as a general guide to help you begin to critically evaluate a scientific research paper, but only in the broadest sense. Do bear in mind that the way that research evidence is critiqued will also differ slightly according to the type of study being appraised, whether observational or experimental, and each study will have additional aspects that would need to be evaluated separately. For criteria recommended for the evaluation of qualitative research papers, see the article by Mildred Blaxter , available online.

Details are in the References. A critical appraisal checklist, which you can download via the link below, can act as a useful tool to help you to interrogate research papers.

The checklist is divided into four sections, broadly covering:. Science perspective — critical appraisal checklist [ Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. Analysis of information requires description plus critical interpretation. In practice, this means communicating your questions about arguments, methodologies or evidence.

The writing process is your opportunity to demonstrate how rigorously you have considered the issue by looking beyond the surface layer of information by asking insightful questions. Home Courses Library Donate. Previous menu Toggle navigation. Why is academic integrity important? What is academic integrity? How can I study with integrity? Test your understanding Test your understanding Find out more Find out more Case note assignment Case note assignment Case note assignment Understanding case notes and marker expectations Understanding case notes and marker expectations Identifying the elements of a case note Identifying the elements of a case note Finding materials Finding materials Analysing materials Analysing materials Better writing Better writing Summary Summary Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Health Sciences case report Health Sciences case report Reflective writing and critical incidents Reflective writing and critical incidents Writing the comparative report Writing the comparative report Writing in Psychological Medicine Writing in Psychological Medicine Writing in Psychological Medicine 1.

Case history 1. Case history 2. Mental state examination 2. Mental state examination 3. Physical examination 3. Physical examination 4. Summary and diagnosis 4. Summary and diagnosis 5. Formulation 5. Formulation 6. Management 6. Skip to content Skip to navigation. Asking questions The building blocks of analysis are questions.

For example: Why did the author write this text? Is there any evidence of bias? Why did the author make particular assumptions and not others? Why was certain evidence presented? Critical analysis is associated with a "deep approach" to your learning, which means that you relate new knowledge to what you already know.

It also requires the examination of theoretical concepts and ideas; comparing and contrasting issues and perspectives to challenge your own understandings and to speculate and seek out implications.

Furthermore, you must be able to distinguish between what is evidence and what is an argument. This involves questioning assumptions, recognising generalisations, and identifying bias in what you see, read and hear. Thinking critically helps you to uncover links across large and diverse bodies of knowledge enabling you to synthesise your own informed ideas.

At university, it is essential to think critically as it allows you to understand and analyse the evidence, ideas and claims within your particular field of study. Critical analysis allows you to have greater clarity on the issues and information you process.

Academic disciplines are kept alive through constant reflection, debate and refinement of ideas. Critical analysis is thus crucial to the survival and renewal of all fields of enquiry. In an academic context, critical analysis requires you to do the following in all your endeavors:. Critical analysis. What Is "Critical Analysis"?