Evaluating the content of your critical literature review

1. Have you ensured that the literature covered relates clearly to your research
question and objectives
2. Have you covered the most relevant and significant theories of recognized
experts in the area?
3. Have you covered the most relevant and significant literature or at least a
representative sample?
4. Have you included up-to-date relevant literature?
5. Have you referenced all the literature used in the format prescribed in the
assessment criteria?

Evaluating whether your literature review is critical

1. Have you contextualized your own research showing how your research
question relates to previous research reviewed?
2. Have you assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the previous research
reviewed?
3. Have you been objective in your discussion and assessment of other peoples
research?
4. Have you included references to research that is counter to, as well as
supports, your own opinions?
5. Have you distinguished clearly between facts and opinions?
6. Have you made reasoned judgement about the value and relevance of other
research to your own?
7. Have you highlighted those areas where new research (yours?) is needed to
provide fresh insights and taken these into account in your arguments? In
particular: where there is/are
a. inconsistencies in current knowledge and understanding (e.g. consider
reliability)
b. omissions or bias in published research (e.g. consider internal validity)
c. evidence that is lacking, inconclusive, contradictory or limited (e.g.
consider external validity)
8. Have you justified your arguments by referencing correctly published
research?