Assessment 1B The Critical Review

Criteria          

1- Comprehension

Demonstrated understanding of the selected topic (Demonstrates detailed insight into the significance of the controversy. Undertakes a comprehensive review of the current literature. A thorough interpretation and representation of the evidence reported in the literature. Clearly identifies all the arguments of the controversy. Evidence chosen demonstrates thorough understanding of the topic and enough evidence is provided to lead to a critical evaluation of the issue.

2- Critical analysis

Critically analysed the associated literature to develop the argument and make reasoned conclusions and judgments. (A very detailed critical analysis of both sides of the controversy with supporting evidence, examples, comparisons and supporting conclusions. In-depth reasoning that is logical, easy to follow and progresses from general to detailed to lay out a coherent argument. The review provides an objective view of the available evidence. Insightful suggestions for future lines of enquiry, based on the current gaps in research. The conclusion of the review is clearly based on the critical analysis of the evidence and is not a personal judgement.

  3- Presentation

Review is written using the appropriate genre for a scientifically literate, but non-specialised audience and the organisation follows the guidelines provided. ( review is written under specified headings; hierarchical numbering and introduction to and captions and legends for tables and graphics are used correctly; the review includes a title and graphic.)

4- Each time you refer to a study, consider whether you need to provide some detail about the structure of the study. How many participants/samples; how long; what was controlled; how was the data collected; what statistical analysis was done; what is the reliability of the results? This information is needed to evaluate the evidence critically.  

4- Referencing

References used are of a high standard and are referenced correctly using APA7 style.

Title

• To appear on the cover sheet and at the top of the first page

Abstract

• A single paragraph of no more than 250 words
• A concise overview of the review
• Provides information about why the review was written, what was found and what were the conclusions
• Does not include citation of references

1. Introduction

• Should be about one page
• Defines the question in scientific terms
• Briefly explains the necessary background to the topic
• Sets out the interpretation of the topic
• States the argument or proposition, i.e., the aim of the review
• Does not have any sub-headings (because this review is short)

2. Body

• Several numbered sections with headings and subheadings, which are written as statements, not questions
• Should be about 80% of total length, i.e. approximately 2000 - 2400 words
• Provides logical development of argument via a hierarchy of headings and subheadings
• Normally provides one or two sections at the beginning to orientate the reader to the field
• Critically evaluates the information
• Uses information from sources to support arguments
• Uses numbered figures and tables to support text
• References all sources of information (including tables and figures)

3. Conclusion

• Should be a single paragraph and not be more than 10% of the total length, i.e., approximately 250 - 300 words
• Provides a brief restatement of the purpose of the review
• States conclusions clearly and concisely
• Sets out reasons for conclusions
• Indicates uncertainties
• Indicates future directions for study
• There is no new information in the conclusion, so no need for citations

4. References

• Lists all references cited in the text according to the APA Referencing Style.

 Note that:

• The Abstract has no section number; numbering starts with Introduction.
• Abstract, Introduction and Conclusion are the main sections; they need to be very clearly written and focused on the topic.
• The reference list should be alphabetical, with no numbers or dot points used.  Second and subsequent lines should be indented.

Include at least one graphic(map, diagram, table, or figure)