How To Write a Written Journal Article Critique
The Written Journal Critique is approached in a similar manor no matter what area of study or discipline a college student is from. The following is basic but fool-proof formula (we all know I love formulaic writing!) for writing a journal article critique.
- Select an article from a current academic journal (2000-2009) that deals with gender issues related to criminal justice (this may be interdisciplinary). An academic journal is not a magazine, a book, newspaper, etc. Examples of acceptable academic journals include: Criminology, Social Forces, Criminal Justice Education, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Crime and Delinquency, Journal of Black Psychology, etc. Topics of selected articles should focus on a theoretical explanation of criminal behavior. NOTE: Academic journal articles may be obtained from electronic journals found on the internet.
- Provide a full copy of the article as an attachment when the critique is submitted for grading.
- Each student should have her/his selected article approved by the instructor.
- Read the article.
- Write a critique of the article selected. The written critique should include the following:
- An overview of the article.
- Description of the research problem.
- Research methods used to study the problem.
- Conclusion and/or recommendations from the author(s).
- Summary of the article (does it contribute to the current state of knowledge?).
Caution: Remember not to plagiarize the author’s work – this will result in an automatic failure.
The length of the written critique will vary according to the article and topic selected; however, a rough estimate would be 2 to 5 typed pages (double-spaced). The journal critique must be typed and the article must be included with your written paper. Length and Format of the Academic Peer-Reviewed Journal Critique: Written Journal Article Critiques must follow the basic guidelines, format, and style of the American Psychological Association (APA), including a cover page (same as for research papers), in-text citations, and a reference page. The length of the written journal article critique will vary according to the topic selected.
