Guidelines for Undertaking a Theoretical Critique
What is a critique?
A critique is a type of essay that identifies and evaluates the author’s ideas. This means that a critique is more than a summary of the article and must include how you understand and respond to it. To write a critique requires that you understand the concepts of the theory and the nature of supporting evidence. This means reading and viewing the article as whole.
Scope of Analysis
Analysis of the article should establish the general purpose, evidence, strengths and limitations of the argument. This means considering what evidence is used to support the argument, and how it is being used. Is the evidence intended to prove a relationship, to illustrate a point or to suggest a possibility? What might the limitations be in terms of scope, application or context? Has the author identified any limitations?
Implications
Having analysed the case study, what are the implications for public policy or programs? The outcome of your analysis may also be the conclusion that further research is required. What should that research be and how would it advise public policy?
Some questions to consider
– What are the aims of the study, what questions are being asked/explored?
– What are the critical principles and concepts of the theory being tested?
– How are the theoretical concepts used to explain the type of offending behaviour contained in the case study?
– What are the strengths and limitations of the theory, its application and empirical evidence presented in the study with respect to the defined problem? Are there alternative explanations or theories that may be used to challenge the argument?
– Based on your analysis, what are the possible implications for policy or program responses?
Whilst the sequence you select is individual, it is essential that it be logical and clear.Elements expected to be included in writing your critique:
Introduction
The introduction is usually one paragraph. It should identify the author(s), title, and the topic of the article. The aim and main finding or argument should be included in a few sentences, followed by a brief statement of the conclusion of the critique, which may be positive, mixed or negative.
Description of Case study
The description, which should be about a third of the essay, should present the key concepts, principles and key ideas of the theoretical perspective adopted by the author, the problem to which they are applied and the evidence being employed to support the argument.
Critique and Application
The critique should be a balanced discussion and evaluation of the strengths, weakness and notable features of the text, the empirical evidence and including any gaps or particularly interesting points. From this analysis, conclusions should be drawn as to the potential application to further research, policy and program approaches.
Conclusion
The conclusion is generally a restatement of the overall findings of the analysis and where relevant, any qualifications or further explanation of your opinion/ conclusions may be included. It would generally be expected that the conclusion would reflect a balanced point of view.
