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Guide to Writing a Journal Article Review

The document provides an introduction to writing a journal article review. It explains that a review requires summarizing and critically evaluating the selected text and other related research. The review is written for a knowledgeable reader and should assess the ideas, arguments, and relevance of the article to the writer's own research. When reviewing a scientific article, the review should determine if the article sufficiently answers basic questions about the problem, importance, methods, results, implications, and recommendations. The review should present the writer's judgment of the article through a critical assessment of its strengths, limitations, and perspectives. The document outlines the structure of a review and provides guidance on writing an organized review in 700-900 words that follows bibliographic conventions.
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100% found this document useful (3 votes)
1K views5 pages

Guide to Writing a Journal Article Review

The document provides an introduction to writing a journal article review. It explains that a review requires summarizing and critically evaluating the selected text and other related research. The review is written for a knowledgeable reader and should assess the ideas, arguments, and relevance of the article to the writer's own research. When reviewing a scientific article, the review should determine if the article sufficiently answers basic questions about the problem, importance, methods, results, implications, and recommendations. The review should present the writer's judgment of the article through a critical assessment of its strengths, limitations, and perspectives. The document outlines the structure of a review and provides guidance on writing an organized review in 700-900 words that follows bibliographic conventions.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to the Journal Article Review Task
  • Organising the Journal Article Review

Introduction to the Journal Article Review Task

What is a Journal Article Review?

The review is a writing task that asks you to summarise and evaluate a text. Writing a review
usually requires you to read the selected text in detail and to also read other related texts so
that you can present a fair and reasonable evaluation of the selected text.

Your journal article review is written for a reader (e.g., your supervisor, lecturer or tutor) who
is knowledgeable in the discipline and is interested not just in the coverage and content of the
article being reviewed, but also in your critical assessment of the ideas and argument that are
being presented by the author. In this assignment you also need to explain how the journal
article is relevant to your research.

A scientific article must answer the following basic questions:


 What is the problem that is addressed?
 Why is it important?
 How did the authors study the problem?
 What are the results?
 What are the implications of the results?
 What do the authors recommend as further study for others?

In your review you are deciding to what extent the journal article sufficiently answers these
questions and how accurate/valid the answers are.

At university, critical assessment does not mean to criticise in a negative manner. Rather it
requires you to question the information and opinions in a text and present your evaluation or
judgement of a text. Your judgement can be positive, negative, or a mix of both. To do this
well, you should attempt to understand the topic from different perspectives (i.e. read related
texts) and in relation to the theories, approaches and frameworks related to your research
topic.

Writing the Review

How do I go about preparing a Journal Article Review?


Find two to four related papers on your area of interest.

Select two to four articles that cover a similar topic, approach, issue, or questions etc.
Read and Think
Read the articles and decide which one you will write your review about. Many journal
articles can be quite complex and use complicated wording and statistics. You will need to
read the articles a few times to become familiar with the content before you can begin taking
notes for the review assignment.

Think – Write –re-Read –Think – Write ….


Your notes should include the following:
1. A draft summary of the article you have chosen to review.
Include the purpose /aims of the article, briefly describe how the research was conducted, the
key results/outcome and other pertinent information from the article.
Consider how this journal article fits into the field - give some brief context for the article.
This should be about two paragraphs maximum.

2. Draft evaluation of the article: Based on criteria outlined above.


Consider the meaning or implication of the results of the study/topic that the article is about.
This is where you offer your opinion on the article. Identify the strengths and limitations with
the article and how it is relevant to your research project. Use examples from the journal
article to give a clear context to your points
From the other related papers, select information/ideas/examples that you can include to
support your critique (reference these sources).

Decide how the author could expand on the results, what the information means in the big
picture, what future research should focus on or how future research (i.e. your research
project) could move the topic forward.
Note the full reference/bibliography details of the paper being reviewed and the related
papers you are reading.
Organising the Journal Article Review

How do I organise the Journal Article Review?

1. Full bibliographic citation


Write a full bibliographic citation for the journal article at the top of the first page. The citation should
follow the style of a journal in your field or the Learning Centre’s Harvard Style.
Regardless of which referencing style you use, you will need: the author’s name /s, publication date,
title of the article, the journal where the article is published, the volume and issue number, and page
numbers for the article. The date you retrieved the article from the data base or website and the name
of the data base or URL of the website should be the last part of the citation. For example,

Ariffin M. A. M., Bhutta M. A. R., Hussin M. W., Tahir M. M., Aziah N., (2013), “Sulfuric Acid
Resistance of Blended Ash Geopolymer Concrete”, Construction and Building Materials, vol.
43, pp. 80–86, [Link]

2. Introduction

Present the context of the topic, the aim of the text and summarise the main finding or key argument.
Conclude the introduction with a brief statement of your evaluation of the text. This can be a positive
or negative evaluation or, as is usually the case, a mixed response. Aim to write one paragraph.

3. Summary

 Describe the paper for the reader so they have an overview of its place in the field and
the key contents and key findings.
 Present a summary of the key points along with a limited number of examples.
 You can also briefly explain the author’s methods but save some examples /details for
the critique.
The summary should only make up about a third of the article review (i.e. 1 – 2 paragraphs).

4. Critique

The critique should be a balanced discussion of the strengths, weakness and notable features
of the text. The critique should take up at least 2/3rds of the review (i.e. 3-5 paragraphs).
Remember to base your discussion on the criteria. Good reviews also include other sources as
support for your discussion (remember to reference).
You can choose how to sequence your critique. Here are some examples to get you started:
 Most important to least important conclusions you make about the text.
 If your critique is more positive than negative, then present the negative points first and
the positive last.
 If your critique is more negative than positive, then present the positive points first and
the negative last.
 If there are both strengths and weakness for each criterion you use, you need to decide
overall what your judgement is. For example, you may want to comment on a key
finding/result in the text and have both positive and negative comments. You could begin
by stating what is good about the result and then concede and explain how it is limited in
some way. While this example shows a mixed evaluation, overall you are probably being
more negative than positive.
You can address each criterion in its own paragraph, including both negative and positive
points or separately across multiple paragraphs.
You should also include recommendations for how the text can be improved in terms of ideas
and the research approach. Theories or frameworks used can also be included in the critique
section. This is where you can relate your research topic to the paper.

5. Conclusion

This is usually a very short paragraph.


 Restate your overall opinion of the text.
 Briefly present recommendations.
 If necessary, some further qualification or explanation of your judgement can be
included. This can help your critique sound fair and reasonable.

6. References

Include the full bibliographic entry for the journal article you have reviewed and a minimum
of two other academic texts that you used to support your points.

How to upload the Article Review Assignment


Due: Thursday 25 April, 2021, 11.00 pm
Length: Between 700 to 900 words
5.1 Article review format:
A Word or PDF file is acceptable.
The header of the article review should contain your full name and NUST student ID
At the top of the first page, put the full bibliographic details of the article you have reviewed
Line spacing - 1.5; Font size 12; Font style – choose a clear font [e.g. Times New Roman, Arial,
Calibri] – nothing fancy!
You may use headings for major sections of the review (e.g. Introduction, Summary, Critique,
Conclusion, References).
The reference list includes the journal article you reviewed plus other sources that you used to support
your critique.
5.2 Assignment cover sheet:
Add assignment cover sheet – it must be signed and dated by you.
Scan and save as a pdf document.
5.3 Submission Instructions
Go to the topic "RM-898 Research Methodology’'
1. Upload your article review file into Turn-it-in “Assignment - 3’.
2. The passing criteria of this assignment is to secure more than 50% marks and to have a similarity of
index of less than 15% (Never copy paste the sentences from the paper you are reviewing).

Common questions

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To ensure a fair and comprehensive critique while maintaining academic integrity, a reviewer should adopt several strategies: 1. Thoroughly read and understand the article and related texts to grasp various perspectives . 2. Use a structured approach, dividing the critique into defined sections ensuring objectivity and balance . 3. Reference other credible sources to support arguments, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the field . 4. Clearly separate summary from critique, allowing an unbiased presentation of the article’s content before evaluation . 5. Maintain a professional tone, focusing on factual analysis rather than personal opinions . 6. Avoid plagiarism, acknowledging all sources used in the critique . These strategies facilitate a critical yet respectful review, attributing due credit and enhancing scholarly discussion.

When determining the relevance of a journal article to a research project, key factors to consider include: 1. The alignment of the article's research question with your project's objectives, which ensures topical relevance . 2. The significance of the study's findings in advancing knowledge in the specific area of interest . 3. The theoretical frameworks or models used, determining compatibility with your research approach . 4. The methodological rigor and innovations present, which could inform your research design . 5. Implications for practice or future research, suggesting pathways your project could explore or contribute to . By critically evaluating these factors, the relevance of the article to the research can be ascertained, ensuring it contributes positively to the project's goals.

Referencing other academic texts in a critique strengthens the evaluation by providing external validation and context. This practice showcases the reviewer's engagement with the existing body of knowledge, fostering a more informed and credible analysis. By incorporating related literature, reviewers can contrast findings, highlighting innovation or gaps within the article under review . Incorporating references also supports the critique's claims, lending authority and depth to the evaluation. It indicates the reviewer's thorough understanding of the field, enhancing the overall assessment quality by situating the article within broader scholarly conversations .

The structured requirements of a journal article review enhance the critical assessment by guiding reviewers through a systematic evaluation. The sections—introduction, summary, critique, and conclusion—ensure that the review is comprehensive and coherent. The introduction sets the stage by contextualizing the study, which helps frame the subsequent analysis . The summary highlights key findings, providing the necessary baseline for critique, while the critique itself allows for in-depth analysis, evaluating strengths and weaknesses . The conclusion synthesizes the evaluation, reinforcing the review's argument and offering growth paths for future research. This structure ensures clarity, supporting a thorough exploration of the article’s content and contribution .

A journal article review should include the following components: a full bibliographic citation, an introduction, a summary, a critique, a conclusion, and references. Each component serves a specific purpose: 1. The full bibliographic citation provides necessary publication details, facilitating reader verification and further research . 2. The introduction contextualizes the article, outlines the aims, and presents an overall evaluation, guiding the reader’s understanding . 3. The summary offers a concise overview of the article's content, findings, and its significance in the field, which aids in understanding the critique . 4. The critique is the core of the review, addressing strengths and weaknesses, supported by references to other sources; it encourages a balanced assessment . 5. The conclusion restates the critique's judgment and proposes improvements, ensuring clarity and completeness . 6. References validate the critique and support the evaluation conveyed in the review .

A detailed evaluation of the research methods contributes significantly to the overall critique by enabling a deeper understanding of the study's validity and reliability. By assessing the methods, reviewers can determine how well the research question was addressed and whether the conclusions drawn are justified . This scrutiny of methodology reveals potential biases, limitations, or innovative approaches, offering insights into the study's robustness or weaknesses. Quality assessment of the methods enriches the critique, as it correlates directly with the credibility and applicability of the findings . Moreover, this evaluation can guide recommendations for methodological improvements in future research .

Including both strengths and limitations in a journal article critique is necessary for providing a balanced and fair assessment. A thorough critique considers all aspects of the article, which demonstrates the reviewer’s understanding and objectivity . To effectively balance these aspects, the reviewer should start by outlining the significant positive contributions of the article before addressing its limitations. This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation that acknowledges the article's value while objectively highlighting areas for improvement. Presenting both perspectives encourages critical thinking and reflective judgment from the reader .

The critique section of a journal article review benefits from the inclusion of recommendations for future research as it adds depth and forward-thinking perspectives to the evaluation. These recommendations can highlight gaps or limitations identified during the critique, proposing specific areas that require further investigation . This not only advances academic discourse by suggesting paths for subsequent inquiry but also demonstrates the reviewer's critical engagement with the article’s findings. Providing recommendations showcases the reviewer's ability to synthesize information and envision its progression in the field, enhancing the utility and impact of the review . This approach encourages ongoing development, offering constructive input that can inspire and guide future studies.

Understanding different perspectives and related texts contributes to a more thorough and fair journal article review by enabling a comprehensive analysis that transcends the article's immediate scope. Exposure to various viewpoints and related literature helps reviewers identify strengths, limitations, and biases within the article, fostering a balanced critique . It also enriches the reviewer's insights, allowing for a broader contextual understanding, which is crucial for identifying the article's contribution to the field. By analyzing other works, reviewers can provide nuanced evaluations, suggesting improvements grounded in established research while appreciating diverse methodologies and findings . This holistic approach enhances the quality and depth of the review, promoting intellectual rigor and fairness.

The introduction plays a crucial role in setting the tone and expectations for a journal article review by offering a concise overview of the article's context and aims. It lays the foundation for the entire review, providing essential background information that primes the reader on what to anticipate . The introduction presents the central argument or findings, guiding readers through the main aspects of the review to follow. By stating the reviewer's overall evaluation in the introduction, it frames the perspective that will be elaborated on, whether it's positive, negative, or mixed, thereby shaping readers' expectations and understanding of the critique's direction .

Introduction to the Journal Article Review Task
 What is a Journal Article Review?
The review is a writing task that asks you
Read and Think 
Read the articles and decide which one you will write your review about. Many journal
articles can be quite c
Organising the Journal Article Review
How do I organise the Journal Article Review?
1.
Full bibliographic citation 
Write a f

Most important to least important conclusions you make about the text. 

If your critique is more positive than negative,
The header of the article review should contain your full name and NUST student ID 
At the top of the first page, put the ful

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