Critique of a research paper

Specifically, your critique needs to contain/address the
following 8 headings/questions (it is up to your discretion how you allocate the 1000 words within
these 8 focus areas):
1. Describe the research tradition (i.e., Paradigm/Epistemology) which the research has been
conducted within (in addition to the paper itself, information on this can often be inferred
from where the research has been published)?
2. Does the introduction provide adequate background and provide a compelling justification for
the research (what is the research question/s or objective/s)?
3. What, if any, are the ethical considerations for this research?
4. What is the overall research design?
5. Is the research design/method of investigation appropriate for the objectives/questions the
paper seeks to address?
6. To what degree is the discussion provided at the end of the paper warranted given the results
reported?
7. Does the research follow best/good practice in relation to their chosen research tradition?
8. More generally, how worthwhile (it is up to you to define this term yourself) is this research
paper?
Things to keep in mind when writing your critiques:
• A lot of very useful information concerning critiquing research can be found on the web
• This is not an essay – please respond to the 8 questions individually (use them as headings –
this is not included in the word limit)
• Back-up your claims by citing your sources e.g., reference all source materials used to prepare
your critiques, including internet sources, in the APA style.
• Write in complete sentences and paragraphs.
• Use formal language (not slang) see:
• Stick to the word limit
Note: This assignment is all about you ‘showing off’ your knowledge in relation to research methods
and techniques – so read widely!