By now you know why peer review matters, and why it’s important to be a better critic and accept constructive criticism. But to learn is to do, so let’s test your improved critiquing skills before really putting them to use.

Answer the following questions for TWO stories (research-based essays, research journal articles, etc) that relate to your final project. Use the Curated Library or any online resource to find the stories you want to critique.

Describe

  • What was your first thought when you read the story?
  • What’s the tone of the story? What style was used to present the research?
  • Who does it impact? The research? The story?
  • What’s the point of the story?

Analyze

  • What’s the title? What’s the research question the story seeks to answer?
  • How is the story presented or marketed? Is it accurate and reflective of the research or is it overselling its purpose/value (click-bait, if you will)?
  • In your opinion, who is the main benefactor of the research?
  • Are there strong supporting elements to back-up the research and give credibility to the story?
  • Are experts interviewed and quoted in the story? Are diverse viewpoints considered and included?
  • Is the research addressing a gap in knowledge or is it improving/deepening existing information?
  • Is the story’s research question big enough? Is it focused? Does it include enough context?
  • Is the research leading? Is it trying to prove one perspective or another?
  • Is the story and research well-sourced? Are the sources reliable?
  • Is the story’s research and narrative fact or opinion based?
  • Is the story or research missing any important elements?

Interpret

  • Why do you think the research/story was published?
  • What’s the purpose of the research/story? To offer a solution? To incent an action? To fix a problem?
  • What message does it send to the public?
  • Is the story’s research impactful and effective? Will it achieve/has it achieved its goal?
  • Is there anything confusing that needs clarification?

Evaluate

  • Was the research worthwhile?
  • Does the story strike the right tone? Is it clear?
  • What do you like the most about it? What do you dislike?
  • How has the story and its research been received by reviewers, the media and the public more generally?
  • Is the work free of cultural appropriation, as well as ethical and legal problems?
  • Ultimately, was the author successful or unsuccessful with their project?
  • Is there anything you would have done differently?

Now compare and contrast your reviews and determine which story, from your perspective, is more successful. Point out what specific points led you to this decision and remember to keep these ideas in mind as you work on your final project.