Evaluate the information you have found
When conducting your searches you may find many references that will not be suitable to use in your literature review.
- Skim through the resource. A quick read through the table of contents, the introductory paragraph or the abstract should indicate whether you need to read further or whether you can immediately discard the result.
- Evaluate the quality and reliability of the references you find. Our evaluating information page outlines what you need to consider when evaluating the books, journal articles, news and websites you find to ensure they are suitable for use in your literature review.
Critique the literature
Critiquing the literature involves looking at the strength and weaknesses of the paper and evaluating the statements made by the author/s.
Books and resources on reading critically
- CASP ChecklistsCritical appraisal tools designed to be used when reading research. Includes tools for Qualitative studies, Systematic Reviews, Randomised Controlled Trials, Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies, Economic Evaluations, Diagnostic Studies and Clinical Prediction Rule.
- How to read critically - business and managementFrom Postgraduate research in business - the aim of this chapter is to show you how to become a critical reader of typical academic literature in business and management.
- Learning to read critically in language and literacyAims to develop skills of critical analysis and research design. It presents a series of examples of `best practice' in language and literacy education research.
- Critical appraisal in health sciencesSee tools for critically appraising health science research.
How to read and critique a scientific research article by Publication Date: 2014This guidebook provides a structured approach to reading a research article, guiding the reader step-by-step through each section, with tips on how to look out for key points and how to evaluate each section.
