How do you critically assess a theory?

One goal of epistemology is to determine the criteria for knowledge so that we can know what can or cannot be known, in other words, the study of epistemology fundamentally includes the study of meta-epistemology (what we can know about knowledge itself).

Socratic Epistemology: Explorations of Knowledge-Seeking by Questioning. The process features as the key unifying concept running all the way through Socratic Epistemology, culminating in his general understanding of inquiry, decision-making and action.

1. Firstly, you need to clearly explain the theory (this is where you show off all the knowledge, facts and figures that you’ve learnt).
2. Secondly, you need to show the theory’s weaknesses and strengths (this is where you demonstrate your critical judgement).

It simply means you need to evaluate your topic, meticulously analyze and interpret it and then present a rigorous argument and explanation. It needs to be balanced in the sense that it showcases both negative and favorable aspects of the given theme or topic.

When reading critically, focus on the purpose of your literature review:

1. Think about what you expect from the article or chapter, before reading it.
2. Skim the abstract, headings, conclusion, and the first sentence of each paragraph.
3. Focus on the arguments presented rather than facts.

When set as an essay question, the term “critically discuss” asks you to examine the rationale for the topic. You are required to demonstrate an understanding of the subject, where and when it applies or does not apply, and, the evidence in favour or against.

Simple it means to use great judgement and care to analyze or explore the. If you critically explore something (typically a text) you evaluate, analyse and interpret it, assessing what you thing is right, wrong, good or bad about it; perhaps also deciding to what extent you agree with it.

To ‘critically evaluate’, you must provide your opinion or verdict on whether an argument, or set of research findings, is accurate. This should be done in as critical a manner as possible. Provide your opinion on the extent to which a statement or research finding is true.

Critical reading:

1. Identify the author’s thesis and purpose.
2. Analyze the structure of the passage by identifying all main ideas.
3. Consult a dictionary or encyclopedia to understand material that is unfamiliar to you.
4. Make an outline of the work or write a description of it.
5. Write a summary of the work.

To analyze an author’s argument, take it one step at a time:

1. Briefly note the main assertion (what does the writer want me to believe or do?)
2. Make a note of the first reason the author makes to support his/her conclusion.
3. Write down every other reason.
4. Underline the most important reason.

Critical appraisal is the process of carefully and systematically assessing the outcome of scientific research (evidence) to judge its trustworthiness, value and relevance in a particular context.

Critical Appraisal Checklists by specific Study Design type Summary: Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP): RCT CAT is a methodological checklist which provides key criteria relevant to randomised controlled trials.