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PhD in the Health Sciences

Critical Review

As scholars why is it our responsibility to critically review others works?

In general, a critical review is the summarization and evaluation of the ideas and information in an article. It is the reviewer’s opportunity to expresses their point of view in the light of what is already know on the subject and what is acquired from related literature, or specifically reported in an article.

Reviewing critically means insightfully thinking and taking into consideration the strengths and weaknesses presented in the material being reviewed. An important soft skill that must be adhered to when conducting a topical review is that the researcher must seek and review all the literature relating to the topic or problem of interest efficiently to become well-informed on the subject. 

As a scholar, conducting a critical review is much more than just generating a simple summary of what is found in the literature or in a specific article. A critical review requires an analysis and evaluation of a book, article, or other medium being reviewed. Conducting and writing an effective critical review requires that the reviewer understand the material and knows how to analyze and evaluate that material using appropriate criteria.  While there are many templates to assist a scholar in their critical review the Program has adopted the Mc Master University format for ease and clarity.

Quantitative Studies - Critical Review Form