Critique a research
article
Goal:
-
Understand
the need to take a critical view of the research you read about in the
popular press
-
Learn how to find original research articles on topics
that interest you
-
Gain experience in critiquing research papers
-
Explore a particular area of physiology in more detail
What is a "critical" review? This means that you will write a
critique of the paper, which is not necessarily the same as what we mean when we
say "to criticize" something. I am not asking you to criticize what is
bad about the writing style, organization, or clarity of the article, even
though there's often much to criticize in that regard! Rather
than call it a critical review, it might be more appropriate to call it a
skeptical review. It is a chance to point out the failings of the research. What
else should have been done? Do the endpoints that were measured or the
experimental design used suggest that you may have reservations about the
conclusions drawn from the research? Are there alternative interpretations that are
consistent with the data? There is no perfect study; you should develop an
awareness of the imperfections of the studies you read.
A good paper should show critical, creative, insightful thought about the
article you read. It should also be well written and well organized, and follow
instructions. It should show that you've familiarized yourself with at least
some of the data and analysis in the research article, not just with the general
ideas in the newspaper article.
1. Choose one of the
recommended
articles (I'll add some more soon)
2. Use Medline or PubMed to find
the research article where this work was originally published.
This should be a report of
original research, not a review article. The news article may
mention the author or journal, which will help you find the original
article. Note: When a
newspaper article describes something that has just been reported at a
conference, it may take a few months before those results are published in a
scientific article, so the article may not be available yet. Many articles
are available online, but for others you may have to go to the library
to find them.
2. Read the original article. As you
read, take notes in your
own words. This will help you be certain that you understand what you're
reading, and also help you avoid the more serious offense of
plagiarizing.
3. Write a critical review of the
article.
See Style
and format for Assignment #5
Read your first draft, edit the
paper, and rewrite it.
Comment on the paper as if you were a strict grader.
See the Grading
Guidelines to focus your efforts on the criteria that will be used
for grading.
- Are the arguments made reasonable? Are there additional criticisms
that you have of the research?
- Is the writing clear?
- Is the writing concise?
- Does it flow?
- Are there errors in spelling?
- Are there errors in grammar or word usage?