Another common way to structure a journal article critique is the following:
Introduction
In the introduction, cite the journal article in full and provide a summary of the journal article. Use the answers to the questions in the section entitled “Identify how and why the research was carried out” to develop the summary.
Body
Follow the structure of the journal article. Evaluate each section of the article – Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion – highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each section. Use the answers to the questions in the section entitled “Evaluate the research” to develop the summary.
Conclusion
In this section, sum up the strengths and weaknesses of the research as a whole. Establish its practical and theoretical significance. Use the answers to questions in the section entitled “Establish the significance of the research” to develop this section.
References
Kuyper, B.J. (1991). Bringing up scientists in the art of critiquing research. Bioscience 41(4), 248-250.
Wood, J.M. (2003). Research Lab Guide. MICR*3260 Microbial Adaptation and Development Web Site. Retrieved July 31, 2006, from
http://www.uoguelph.ca/mcb/teaching/micr3260/research_lab/guide.shtml