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SSK 1202 - Critical Reading and Problem Solving

Student Editing Checklists

These editing checklists are to assist  report writers in reviewing and editing their own work. Check each of the items on the list against your writing.
  1. Abstract Checklist
  2. Introduction Checklist
  3. Literature Review Checklist
  4. Design Checklist
  5. Data Gathering Tools Checklist
  6. Results Checklist
  7. Discussion and Conclusion Checklist
  1. In-text Citation Checklist
  2. Reference Checklist
  3. Written Assignment Checklist
  4. Organization Checklist
  5. Format Checklist
  6. References APA Format

Abstract Checklist

An abstract is a 50-70 word summary of your report.  It should probably include the following:
  • Purpose of study (1 sentence)
  • Description of the literature review (1 sentence)
  • Description of the research design (1 sentence)
  • Description of the data gathering tools (1 sentence)
  • Description of the problems identified (1 sentence)
  • Description of the solutions proposed (1 sentence)
Introduction Checklist
  • Does the introduction begin with a clear topic sentence?
  • Have concepts been properly clarified/defined?
  • Has the issue been put in a proper context?
  • Are the background facts stated objectively?
  • Is the problem clearly explained?
  • Is there a clearly stated rationale for the research?

Literature Review Checklist

A literature review is, as the title suggests, an extensive review of the relevant academic literature related to the problem under investigation.  The literature review sets the boundaries of the research in that it spells out what our academic peers believe to be true concerning the specific issue.  This sets a frame of reference from which to evaluate results (see also the Data Gathering Tools Checklist and Discussion and Review Checklist)
  • Is the literature review extensive?
  • Does the literature review cover the depth and breadth of the topic?
  • Is the literature review authoritative?
  • Is the literature review current?
  • Is the literature review relevant?
  • Are the sources cited properly in-text?
  • Are the sources properly listed in the references section?

Design Checklist

The design of the investigation provides the reader with necessary information concerning the depth and breadth of your research.  This gives the reader an understanding of the reliability and validity of your research.
  • Have all stakeholders been identified?
  • Has the problem been fully analysed?  e.g.,  have all  relevant issues been identified?
  • Have valid choices been made concerning issues to be investigated?
  • Have the design choices been justified?
  • Have the types of data gathering tools been identified?
  • Has the type of investigation been identified?  e.g.,  pilot study or full study?
  • Has the sample size been identified?
  • Have the data gatherers been trained/standardized?
  • Have analysis standards been set from which to evaluate results?
Download the design checklist.
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Data Gathering Tools Checklist

The data gathering tools section provides the reader with necessary information by which to judge how you conducted your research.  This section consists of a description of the tools themselves.  It also gives the reader a way to check the reliability and validity of your research.  This section shows how the design decisions have been implemented.
  • Have the types and numbers of data gathering tools been identified?
  • Have the types and numbers of data gathering tools been justified?
  • Have the types and numbers of questions been identified?
  • Have the types and numbers of questions been justified?
  • Have instructions been included in the data gathering tools?
  • Have samples of the data gathering tools been included?
Download the data gathering tools checklist.
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Results Checklist

The results section provides your reader with factual data concerning the population studied.  The section should report all results clearly with a carefully considered interpretation of the data.  Charts and graphs should be used sparingly to highlight only the most interesting data collected. 
  • Have all the results been reported in prose?
  • Have the results been properly interpreted?
  • Are tables, charts, and graphs selected properly?
  • Are tables, charts, and graphs properly labled?
  • Are tables, charts, and graphs properly aligned and sized?
  • Have sample sizes been noted?

Download the results checklist.
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Discussion and Conclusion Checklist

The discussion and conclusion section discusses the results of the investigation with regard to the research parameters set in the literature review section; analysis standards set in the data gathering tools section; and the interpretation of the results set in the results section.  Specific problems should be identified.  Specific solutions should be proposed.
  • Have specific problems been clearly identified?
  • Are the problems identified justified by the data collected?
  • Have specific solutions been proposed?
  • Are solutions practical/feasible?
Download the discussion and conclusion checklist.
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In-text Citation Checklist

The proper citation of sources is a key to successful academic work.  You must borrow ideas and data from your peers in order to strengthen your position.  You must also cite all borrowed information in order to avoid the serious charge of plagiarism or academic theft.  If you do not do this properly, at best your grade will be lowered;  at worst you will be expelled from the university. 
  • Has all borrowed information been cited in-text?
  • Has all borrowed information been cited properly using the APA style guidelines?
  • Have direct quotes over 40 words been dealt with as long quotes?
  • Has the source of all borrowed information been listed in the references?
Reference Checklist

The reference section contains a complete list of sources cited in the text of the research paper.  This enables your reader to begin to judge the reliability and validity of your work.  It also allows the reader to find the specific sources cited.  Therefore the reference list must contain complete information about your sources, following the APA style manual.

  • Does the reference list follow the APA style manual guidelines?
  • Is the reference list arranged in alphabetical order?
  • Does the reference list contain all the sources cited in the text of the research paper?
  • Does the reference list only contain references that are cited in the text of the research paper?
  • Is the reference list placed before the Appendices?
  • Does the reference list have a proper heading?
  • Does the reference list have a page number?

Written Assignment Checklist

Content Checklist

  • Does your content take into account all relevant perspectives/points of view?
  • Does your content go into enough detail/depth?
  • Is the content physically balanced?
  • Are cited sources authoritative, current, relevant?
  • Is the sample size large enough?
  • Are any assumptions, biases, or prejudices evident?
  • Does the work show original thought?
  • Are concepts clarified and fully developed?
  • Are problems clearly identified?
  • Are solutions presented realistic/practical/implementable/sophisticated

Download the written assignment checklist.
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Organization Checklist

  • Are all the sections included?
    • Title page 
    • Abstract 
    • Introduction 
    • Literature review
    • Design of investigation 
    • Data gathering techniques 
    • Results 
    • Discussion and Conclusion
    • References
    • Appendixes 
  • Is information presented in a logical order?
  • Are transitions clearly marked by headings and language?
Download the organization checklist.
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    Format Checklist

  • Is the paper formatting set properly to APA guidelines?
  • APA standard headings?
    • One inch page margins?
    • Double spaced?
    • Left justified?
    • Consecutive page numbers in top right corner? 
  • References in alphabetical order by author's last name?
  • Has the document been properly spell checked/grammar checked?
  • Are all borrowed items cited in-text using APA guidelines?
  • Are all cited items contained in the reference list?
  • Are all tables labeled properly?
  • Are all tables consistent in appearance?
  • Is paragraphing handled proper
Download the format checklist.
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