A critical review of a journal article or a contemporary information technology issue is a valuable assignment in the study of information technology. Students are asked to write a critical review of a significant article, or IT issue, chosen from the current scholarly literature in information technology, often of a contemporary issue or controversy. Students are required to defend a position for or against the author’s tenets, assertions and conclusions.
This critical review assignment should be short (3 – 5 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font), and focused only on the article or issue under review. Students are expected to prepare for this task by researching the subject, seeking other authors’ views on the issues, and by searching and reviewing other pertinent materials. This is basically a small research paper assignment; also be sure to review the Assessment Rubric for additional guidance and grading of these papers.
1) General Guidance
The three most important things in writing a critical review paper are: 1) it is a research paper not an essay, 2) reframe from including your own opinions and experiences, and 3) limit the amount of material you repeat from the journal article. Extensive repetition of the article has no value added for your paper. Assume the reader has read the article; it is your presentation and analysis of research references that is your way of developing a critical review.
Print media are the most reliable and reputable sources for your research. Students are encouraged to seek these research materials first. If you focus your research on Web sites, try to again stay with print media sources; all the reputable ones have Web sites. Top level domain sites, e.g. .gov and .edu are the best; .com sites are inappropriate and the least reliable, but there are some good exceptions. Please stay away from blogs.
2) Format
Begin with the Title of the paper and the position; Pro or Con…this paper is Pro. In a short paper – 4 pages or less – a separate title page is unnecessary. The title, etc. can all be placed at the top of the first page of the paper.
A Summary or Abstract of the paper is required, not both, at the beginning. Limit the summary to half a page. It should be written after the rest of the paper is completed. It should briefly summarize your paper and include, perhaps, a hypothesis or overall question, results, and one important finding or conclusion.
An introduction is not necessary in a short research paper, but may be included in the beginning of the body of the paper if you wish.
The main body of the paper can be organized in many ways:
– Describe the problem, issue(s), or hypothesis, the intent of the paper
– Present data and /or findings
– Present the views of experts from research sources – the sources cited in your bibliography,
reference or works cited section
– Contrast advantages from disadvantages if appropriate
– Discuss research results
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