midterm

Section

Critical Appraisal Guidelines

Student Activity/Questions

Grade/points

I

Inclusion of relevant literature:

· Did the researcher describe previous studies and relevant theories?

· What other types of literature were cited?

1. Identify at least two previous studies the author has described in his/her literature review.

2. Identify one relevant theory the author has cited in her review.

3. Identify the types of literature cited in the review.

2

1

2

II

Currency of source:

Are the references current?

· Number of sources in the last 05 years

· Number of sources in the last 06 to 10 years

· Number of sources > 10 years old

· Are any landmark studies included? If yes, how many?

1. Identify the number of sources the author has referred to in the review.

2. Identify the number of sources that are less than five years old.

3. Identify the number of sources that are more than five years old.

4. Identify the number of sources that are older than ten years old.

5. Identify a landmark study the author has cited in her review.

1

1

1

1

1

III

Breadth of the review:

· Identify the disciplines of the authors of studies cited in this paper.

· Identify the journals in which the identified authors published their studies.

· What are the databases the author used to identify relevant studies cited in this literature review?

1. Identify at least four journals the author has referred in her review.

2. Identify a book the author has referred in her/his review.

3. Identify at least two communication journal articles referred.

4. Identify at least two psychology journal articles referred.

2

1

1

1

IV

Synthesis of strengths and weaknesses of available evidence:

· Are the studies critically appraised and synthesized?

· Is a clear and concise summary presented of the current knowledge in the area of the study?

· Does the review identify what is known regarding the area of study?

· Does the review identify what is unknown regarding the area of study?

· Are the literature review organized to demonstrate the progressive development of evidence from previous research?

· Does the literature review summary provide direction for the formation of the research purpose?

1. Identify the topics under which the author has organized her findings.

2. Identify the topic/area the review has identified as well known.

3. Identify the topic/area the reviewer has identified as little known or unknown.

4. Identify the research purpose this review aims to satisfy.

2

1

1

1