Step-by-Step Guide for Critically Appraising a Journal Article
**This focuses on Social Work in Canada but can be applicable to reading any journal article - just apply it to your discipline.
Take notes in a way that you won’t forget what you read the moment you read it. There’s a lot of information out there - keep a system so you can remember the key take aways from the article.
Step 1: Get to Know the Basics
Who wrote it? Look at the authors, where they work, and check if they have any interests that might influence the research. (Look at things like the “disclosures,” or “acknowledgments,” or “funding”)
What’s the research about? Identify the main goal/s of the study/article and what type of research was conducted (like surveys, interviews, or experiments).
Where was it published? Note the journal's name and its connection to social work in Canada.
When was it published? Make sure the article is recent enough to be relevant to today's social work practices.
Why was the study done? Understand why the researchers thought this study was necessary and what issues it addresses.
How was the study done? Quickly skim through the methods to see how the researchers gathered and analyzed their data.
**This is your superficial read-through - you’re just getting comfortable and finding your first impressions. You can also upload the article into an online reader application if listening to it may be easier for you.
Step 2: Read Deeply and Think Critically
Who benefits? Think about who is helped by the research findings and how it supports social work with minoritized/equity-deserving groups/equity-owed/hardly reached groups in Canada.
Strengths and weaknesses? Assess the quality of the research. Look for any strong points or flaws (e.g. who was the sample in their study, what definitions are they using for terms) in how the study was conducted and the conclusions it reached.
Where could this be useful? Consider how the findings might be used in different social work settings like healthcare or community or justice.
When does this matter? Decide if the findings are for immediate use or if they contribute to long-term knowledge.
Why is this important? Reflect on the impact this research could have on social work practices and policies in Canada.
How does it fit with other studies? Compare it with other research to see if it offers new insights or confirms earlier studies.
Step 3: Evaluate Implications and Limitations
Who might be negatively affected? Identify if the study might have overlooked or could potentially harm any groups. Think power, privileges, oppression, —”isms” who is missing? And why?
Any other ways to look at this? Think about other methods or perspectives that could have been used.
What’s missing? Look for any gaps in the study, such as important factors the researchers didn’t consider.
When might the results not apply? Consider if the findings have limitations based on where or how the research was done.
Why might this be controversial? Explore any aspects of the research that could cause disagreements.
How could it be improved? Suggest ways the research could be enhanced, focusing on ethical and inclusive practices.
Step 4: Discuss and Decide on Actions
Who else should know about this? Think about colleagues or professionals who could benefit from these findings.
What should we do next? Propose how to use these insights in your practice or further research.
Where should we share this information? Identify forums or meetings where these findings could be discussed.
When should we act on this? Plan when to implement the research findings into practice.
Why do we need to use this research? Discuss the benefits of integrating these findings into everyday social work.
How will we know it worked? Define what success looks like and how you’ll measure the impact of applying this research.
Step 5: Reflect on Your Findings
**note: we remember things more easily when we apply them to our own contexts.
How do you feel about the research? Consider how it aligns with your values and your role as a social worker.
What can you learn from this? Think about how this article influences your understanding of social work and how you can apply these insights to better serve your community.
Reflect on Your Positionality
Understand Your Positionality: Consider your unique position in relation to the topics discussed in the article. This includes your identity (e.g., gender, race, socioeconomic status), personal experiences, and how these might influence your interpretation of the research.
Examine Your Social Locatedness: Think about your location in various social hierarchies and communities. How might your social context affect your view on the issues the research addresses? For instance, if you work with Indigenous communities, how does the article speak to the challenges or strengths of these populations?
Consider Your Professional Context
Work Environment: Reflect on your current or desired work setting—whether it's a clinical practice, community outreach, policy advocacy, or academic research. How do the article’s findings relate to the specific challenges or opportunities in your work environment?
Relevance to Current Practices: Evaluate how the research aligns with the methods and approaches used in your workplace. Are there findings that could improve or challenge the way things are currently done?
Opportunities for Application: Identify specific aspects of the research that could be implemented in your practice. Consider proposing these ideas in team meetings or professional development sessions.
Assess Fit with Your Values and Approaches
Alignment with Personal Values: Reflect on your core values as a social worker. Does the research uphold principles like justice, equity, and respect for diversity? How does it support or conflict with what you stand for?
Comparison with Professional Approaches: Consider the therapeutic or intervention approaches you use or are trained in. Does the article support these methods, or does it present evidence that might lead you to rethink your strategies?
Potential for Advocacy: Think about whether the research provides data or insights that could bolster advocacy efforts for a cause you are passionate about.
Evaluate Impact and Dissonance
Impact on Personal Beliefs: Reflect on how the research impacts your existing beliefs about social work. Does it challenge you to think differently, or does it reinforce your current understanding?
Dealing with Dissonance: If the research goes against your beliefs or practices, consider why that might be. Is there evidence that you need to reconsider some of your positions, or are there flaws in the study that you should critically evaluate?
