Critical Analysis

Assessment item 1 (Critical Analysis)
This assignment requires you to choose one of the articles from the nominated section in the
“Topic Readings” within the Reading Material book (RM) and then to undertake substantial
critical analysis of it.

The nominated “Section” for the current semester is identified in the semester specific
Subject Outline.
(There are four Sections listed under the “Topic Readings”, refer page 47 of the RM. Each of
these Sections contains a small number of papers – generally four or five. You must choose a
single paper from the nominated section and critically analyse it.)
You may refer to other articles (correctly referenced) in the Recommended or Topic Readings
or other recent peer reviewed journal articles. If you rely substantially on an article not
included in the RM you must attach a copy of the journal article as an appendix to your
assignment.

You must avoid opinion; do provide logical, considered reasons for your analysis of the
paper’s approach to its subject, assertions and conclusions. Identify the key ideas and concepts
being put forward by the author. Rigorously consider the relevance, validity, consistency and
logic of the evidence provided by the author to justify his/her ideas or to support the
conclusions reached. Discuss any identifiable bias or motive that may have coloured the
author’s approach or influenced the formulation of the conclusions.
Applications or relevant knowledge from other sources may be used in this discussion
provided they are completely referenced. Original and thoughtful comment well substantiated
will be highly regarded. Good presentation, structured organisation of the content and clarity
of writing are basic expectations for a satisfactory report.