Unraveling Critical Analysis: A Guide for Postgraduate and Doctoral Students

As a postgraduate or doctoral student, delving into the realm of critical analysis may seem like a daunting task. It's likely that you haven't received explicit guidance on this skill, and you're not alone.

I'm Dr. Elizabeth Yardley, and in my two decades of supporting postgraduate and doctoral students, one question that frequently arises is, "How do I do critical analysis?" Today, I'll walk you through the essential elements of critical analysis, breaking it down into four key stages: describe, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize.

(1) Describe

Let's start with the first stage: describe. Before delving into the more intricate aspects of critical analysis, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation by clearly understanding what you're analyzing. Think of it as setting the stage. You need to outline and explain the focus of the material, its main arguments, and the overall gist. Take the time to answer fundamental questions such as what the item emphasizes, what its primary arguments are, and what its general message conveys. This initial step lays the groundwork for the subsequent stages of critical analysis.

(2) Interpret

Moving on to interpretation, we transition from merely describing to contemplating the applications and implications of the key points presented in the material. Consider how these main points can be applied to your essay, dissertation chapter, or research idea. What are the implications of integrating these arguments into your work? Can they be seamlessly applied, or do they present challenges? Assess the relevance and helpfulness of these arguments in the context of your exploration. Utilize questions like who or what is affected, included, or excluded when these arguments are applied. Capture this reflective process with sentences that encapsulate your interpretation.

(3) Evaluation

Now, let's talk about evaluation, the stage where judgment comes into play. However, it's not a broad evaluation of the material's overall value; rather, it's a focused assessment of its usefulness for your specific purpose. Consider the piece of literature in terms of how valuable it is for the questions you're asking, the essay you're writing, or the dissertation you're undertaking. This step is about discerning the practical utility, insightfulness, and relevance of the material in the context of your work. Feel empowered to make judgments based on its value to your specific goals, using sentences that convey your evaluative process.

(4) Synthesis

The final stage is synthesis, which involves placing the analyzed material into the broader context of existing literature. Consider how it aligns with or diverges from other pieces of literature in the field. What unique perspectives does it bring to the discussion? Does it uncover overlooked aspects or present entirely novel ideas? In essence, synthesis is about understanding where the analyzed piece fits within the larger body of literature. Craft sentences that capture the interplay between the analyzed material and its scholarly counterparts.

To summarize, the four stages of critical analysis—describe, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize—provide a comprehensive framework for approaching any piece of material with a discerning eye. Each stage contributes to a nuanced understanding that goes beyond a surface-level engagement with the content.

Ready to take your critical analysis to the next level?!

If you're eager to enhance your critical analysis skills, I invite you to download my critical analysis cheat sheet. It's a valuable resource designed to complement the insights shared in this blogpost by giving you phrases and sentence starters for your critical observations. Click here to grab yours!