What is an article review paper?
An article review paper is a critical analysis of a scholarly article. It summarizes the article’s main points, evaluates its strengths and weaknesses, and discusses its implications for nursing practice, education, or research.
Why is it important to write article review papers in nursing?
Writing article review papers is an important skill for nurses because it helps them to:
- Stay up-to-date on the latest nursing research
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
Benefits of writing article review papers
In addition to the benefits listed above, writing article review papers can also help you to:
- Improve your writing skills
- Impress your professors
- Boost your GPA
How to choose an article to review
When choosing an article to review, it is important to select one that is relevant to your nursing practice or area of interest. You should also make sure that the article is from a reputable source.
Here are some tips for choosing an article to review:
- Browse nursing journals and websites for articles that are on topics that interest you.
- Talk to your professors or colleagues for recommendations.
- Use a database such as PubMed or CINAHL to search for articles on specific topics.
How to evaluate an article
Once you have chosen an article to review, you need to evaluate its quality. Here are some things to consider when evaluating an article:
- Is the article from a reputable source?
- Is the article well-written and easy to understand?
- Is the article supported by evidence?
- Is the article’s methodology sound?
- Are the article’s conclusions supported by the data?
Body
Step 1: Read and understand the article
The first step in writing an article review paper is to read and understand the article. This means highlighting the key points, identifying the author’s main argument and the evidence they use to support it, and noting any areas of confusion or disagreement.
Highlight the key points
When highlighting the key points, focus on the author’s main argument and the evidence they use to support it. You should also note any important findings or conclusions.
Identify the author’s main argument and the evidence they use to support it
The author’s main argument is the central thesis of the article. It is what the author is trying to prove. The evidence that the author uses to support their argument can include research findings, case studies, and expert opinions.
Note any areas of confusion or disagreement
If you have any areas of confusion or disagreement with the article, make a note of them so that you can address them in your review.
Step 2: Analyze and synthesize the article
Once you have read and understood the article, you need to analyze and synthesize it. This means comparing and contrasting the article to other articles on the same topic, identifying any gaps in the research, and considering the implications of the article for nursing practice, education, or research.
Compare and contrast the article to other articles on the same topic
When comparing and contrasting the article to other articles on the same topic, consider the following:
- Do the articles make similar or different arguments?
- Do the articles use different or similar evidence to support their arguments?
- Are there any gaps in the research that need to be addressed?
Identify any gaps in the research
When identifying any gaps in the research, consider the following:
- Are there any areas of the topic that need to be further studied?
- Are there any different research methods that could be used to study the topic?
- Are there any different populations that need to be studied?
Consider the implications of the article for nursing practice, education, or research
When considering the implications of the article for nursing practice, education, or research, consider the following:
- How can the findings of the article be used to improve nursing practice?
- How can the findings of the article be used to improve nursing education?
- How can the findings of the article be used to inform future research?
Step 3: Write the article review
Once you have analyzed and synthesized the article, you are ready to write your review. The review should be well-organized and easy to read. It should also be clear, concise, and objective.
FAQs
What is the difference between an article review and a literature review?
An article review is a critical analysis of a single scholarly article. A literature review is a critical analysis of multiple scholarly articles on a specific topic.
How long should an article review paper be?
The length of an article review paper will vary depending on the requirements of your instructor. However, most article review papers are between 5 and 10 pages long.
How do I cite my sources in an article review paper?
There are many different ways to cite your sources in an article review paper. However, the most common citation style in nursing is APA style. You can find more information on APA style citations on the APA website.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an article review paper?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an article review paper:
- Failing to summarize the article accurately and concisely
- Failing to evaluate the article’s strengths and weaknesses
- Failing to support your claims with evidence
- Making factual errors
- Plagiarizing