A topic in research methodology
The critical reading of empirical studies tool is a simple form intended to act as a study aid, a simple aide-mémoire, to support critical reading of empirical research studies – that is, research reports that draw conclusions from the analysis of data. The form can be used in a hard copy (paper) or digitally.
The tool can be downloaded below. The instructions for using the tool are available on-line here, or as a download below.
Critical reading of research is important for anyone who wishes to interrogate and valuate research studies, rather than simply take the claims and recommendations on the authority of study author(s).
Read about critical reading of research
The aid helps the reader identify some key features of research studies, and asks the reader to make a judgement about how convincing they find key steps in the argument. Although readers were asked to suggest how convinced they are by aspects of the research study, using a nominal numerical scale (are you 90% convinced, 50%, 20%?) Clearly these numerical estimates are NOT intended to have any precise significance, but rather to encourage a reader to make a judgement and record their impression.
(An alternative version of the tool is available where Likert-type {i.e., verbal} response options are used in place of numbers.)
That is, the tool is intended to help the reader focus on key features of research quality and it is the thinking that matters not the ratings given. As one of the volunteer evaluators suggested:
"The guiding questions accompanying the tool were more important than the tool itself, for they were flags to keep in mind while reading."
Evaluation participant
Read about the tool evaluation
As a result of feedback from a small scale evaluation of the study, the original version of the tool has been supplemented by three modified versions. The versions can be downloaded from the links below.
Download links for the tool and guide for use
CREST-n: The original version of the tool has a numeric confidence scale, and only a generic space for user notes. (There are no prompt questions on the page, but it is recommended new users use the tool alongside the guide which can be downloaded separately or accessed online)
CREST-v: This version of the tool uses a verbal confidence scale rather than a numeric scale. (There are no prompt questions on the page, but it is recommended new users use the tool alongside the guide which can be downloaded separately or accessed online)
CREST-n+: This version uses the original numerical scale, but also includes prompt questions.
CREST-v+: This version uses the alternative verbal scale, and also includes prompt questions
Guide for use of the tool:
