Review vs. Evaluation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 3, 2023
Review is an assessment or critical appraisal, typically for feedback. Evaluation is a systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance using criteria.
Difference Between Review and Evaluation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Review generally refers to examining something with a possibility of feedback or commentary. Evaluation involves a more systematic and criteria-based judgment. A review tends to be more subjective and can be informal, such as a movie review, while an evaluation is objective, such as a performance evaluation in a workplace setting.
When conducting a review, the reviewer may focus on various aspects without following a set of strict criteria, allowing personal experience to guide the process. In contrast, an evaluation is usually more structured, requiring specific standards that must be met and often leading to a quantitative or qualitative assessment.
In the context of literature, a book review might discuss the plot, characters, and reader’s enjoyment. An evaluation of the same book might assess the writing style, contribution to the field, and adherence to literary standards. Here, a review is more about impression and recommendation, while an evaluation is about the value and quality.
A customer may leave a review of a restaurant based on their dining experience, which can be based on personal taste and service perception. An evaluation of that restaurant, perhaps by a health inspector, would involve checking adherence to health regulations and industry standards, which is not influenced by personal taste.
In education, a review could involve going over course material before an exam, focusing on understanding and retention. An evaluation, however, would be the exam itself, measuring the students’ knowledge against predefined criteria to assign a grade. A review is thus a preparatory or reflective activity, whereas an evaluation is an assessment activity.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To reflect, summarize, or critique.
To assess systematically against criteria.
Nature
Subjective and often qualitative.
Objective and often quantitative.
Formality
Can be informal or formal.
Generally formal with set standards.
Scope
Broader, less structured.
Specific, highly structured.
Outcome
Opinion, recommendation.
Judgment, scoring, or ranking.
Compare with Definitions
Review
A critique or commentary.
The film critic’s review praised the movie's unconventional plot.
Evaluation
The act of judging or assessing.
The evaluation of the new software will determine its effectiveness.
Review
A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as a movie (a movie review), video game (video game review), musical composition (music review of a composition or recording), book (book review); a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or softwares such as business software, sales softwares; or an event or performance, such as a live music concert, play, musical theater show, dance show or art exhibition. In addition to a critical evaluation, the review's author may assign the work a rating to indicate its relative merit.
Evaluation
An analysis based on criteria.
Her evaluation of the applicants was based on experience and skills.
Review
To look over, study, or examine again
Reviewed last week's lesson.
Evaluation
Systematic determination of merit.
An evaluation of the project's impact is due next week.
Review
To consider retrospectively; look back on
Reviewed the day's events.
Evaluation
A study to form a judgment.
The teacher's evaluation of the student's work involved a rubric.
Review
To examine with an eye to criticism or correction
Reviewed the research findings.
Evaluation
Grading or ranking performance.
The manager’s evaluation led to several promotions within the department.
Review
To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).
Evaluation
Evaluation is a systematic determination of a subject's merit, worth and significance, using criteria governed by a set of standards. It can assist an organization, program, design, project or any other intervention or initiative to assess any aim, realisable concept/proposal, or any alternative, to help in decision-making; or to ascertain the degree of achievement or value in regard to the aim and objectives and results of any such action that has been completed.
Review
(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.
Evaluation
The making of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment
An initial evaluation of the programme
The evaluation of each method
Review
To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.
Evaluation
To ascertain or fix the value or amount of
Evaluate the damage from the flood.
Review
To go over or restudy material
Reviewing for a final exam.
Evaluation
To determine the importance, effectiveness, or worth of; assess
Evaluate teacher performance.
Review
To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Evaluation
(Mathematics) To calculate the numerical value of; express numerically.
Review
A reexamination or reconsideration.
Evaluation
An assessment, such as an annual personnel performance review used as the basis for a salary increase or bonus, or a summary of a particular situation.
The result of the semestral evaluation will go towards your final score.
Review
A retrospective view or survey.
Evaluation
(mathematics) A completion of a mathematical operation; a valuation.
Review
A restudying of subject matter.
Evaluation
Determination of the value of a variable or expression.
Review
An exercise for use in restudying material.
Evaluation
Valuation; appraisement.
Review
A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.
Evaluation
Act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of
Review
A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.
Evaluation
An appraisal of the value of something;
He set a high valuation on friendship
Review
An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Review
A formal military inspection.
Review
A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.
Review
(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.
Review
A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.
Review
A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.
I need to make a review of the book before I can understand it.
Review
An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.
The newspaper review was full of praise for the play.
Review
(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.
The victims demanded a full judicial review of the case.
Review
A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.
The Cambridge Footlights Review launched many Monty Python faces.
Review
A survey of the available items or material.
The magazine contained a review of Paris restaurants.
Review
A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.
The Times Literary Review is published in London.
Review
A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.
The troops assembled for a review by the Queen.
Review
A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.
The regulators demanded a review against NYSE practices.
Review
To survey; to look broadly over.
Before I tackle the question directly, I must briefly review historical approaches to the problem.
Review
To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.
The critic reviews every new play in London.
Review
To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.
Review
To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.
Review
(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.
Review
To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
To go over and examine critically or deliberately.
Review
To retrace; to go over again.
Shall I the long, laborious scene review?
Review
To look back; to make a review.
Review
A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.
Review
An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.
Review
A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.
Review
A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.
Review
An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.
Review
The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.
Review
A lesson studied or recited for a second time.
Review
A new appraisal or evaluation
Review
An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)
Review
A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment
Review
(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data
Review
A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians
Review
A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art
Review
A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
Review
(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)
Review
Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
Review
A formal or official examination;
The platoon stood ready for review
We had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator
Review
Look at again; examine again;
Let's review your situation
Review
Appraise critically;
She reviews books for the New York Times
Please critique this performance
Review
Hold a review (of troops)
Review
Refresh one's memory;
I reviewed the material before the test
Review
Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;
She reviewed her achievements with pride
Review
To go over or examine.
She decided to review her notes before the meeting.
Review
A second look or examination.
The editor conducted a final review of the article for typos.
Review
A summary of content or event.
His review of the conference highlighted the key speeches.
Review
A retrospective evaluation.
The annual review of the company's performance was positive.
Common Curiosities
When might someone write a review?
Reviews are often written after using a product, seeing a performance, or experiencing a service.
What is the purpose of an evaluation?
An evaluation aims to systematically determine the merit, worth, or value of something.
What is the purpose of a review?
A review serves to provide feedback, commentary, or a critical appraisal of something.
Who performs evaluations?
Evaluations are often performed by experts or professionals trained to use specific criteria.
Can anyone perform a review?
Yes, reviews can be performed by anyone with an experience or opinion on the subject.
Are evaluations subjective?
Evaluations aim to be objective, though some subjectivity can sometimes influence the results.
When is an evaluation conducted?
Evaluations are conducted when a detailed assessment is needed, often against specific criteria.
Is a review the same as a summary?
Not exactly; a review includes personal opinion and critique, while a summary is just an overview.
Is an evaluation more detailed than a review?
Yes, evaluations are generally more detailed and structured than reviews.
Are reviews always positive or negative?
Reviews can be positive, negative, or mixed, depending on the reviewer’s experience.
Do reviews affect consumer choices?
Yes, reviews can significantly influence consumer behavior and perceptions.
Can both reviews and evaluations be revised?
Both can be revised, especially if new information or criteria are introduced.
Do evaluations have consequences?
Yes, evaluations can lead to decisions that have serious consequences, like promotions or funding.
Can an evaluation be informal?
Typically, evaluations are formal processes with set protocols and standards.
Do reviews include recommendations?
Often, reviews provide recommendations based on the reviewer's experience.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
