A critical checklist
The acronym WEB-SPUN has been developed to aid memory for a critical approach to assignments.
- WEB represents the first elements of a typical assignment
- SPUN represents further thoughts you might develop
W – What? Where? Why? When? How? Who? What if? What next? So what?
E – Evidence: references, quotes, examples, data
B – Build argument: use the evidence and data to support your argument
S – Situation: effect on the outcome. Static or dynamic?
P – Practicality: what are the limitations?
U – Universality: does the theory apply generally or only in certain cases?
N – Links to other findings. Do theories support each other?
(Adapted from Gallagher, 2016, 105)
Summary
- Never rely on a single source – use multiple sources
- Ensure logic is sound and one point leads to another
- Use credible sources
- Question everything and apply the same to your writing
- Don’t assume because something is in print it must be ‘right’
- Use sources to build your argument