COR 110 Burkholder: Reading Strategies

Things to Consider when Reading Scholarly Articles

Things to Consider When Reading a Scholarly Article

Consider the following points when reading a scholarly article:

1. Know your research question or argument. Though your question/argument may change or evolve as you delve deeper into the research process, you will want to have a solid idea of your research focus.
2. You don't have to read the entire article in order. Start with the abstract which will give you a general summary of the article. If the abstract seems relevant then move to the conclusion or discussion section of the article to gain a better understanding of the article's main claims. At this point if the article does not seem relevant or useful then discard it. However, if the article does seem useful then spend as much time as necessary reading the article.
3. Read critically. What is the author's argument? You will need to use your judgment when evaluating each source of information. Further research may be necessary if you find the author to be biased or you do not believe the validity of their argument. 
4. Read the reference section. Reading the references or works cited may lead you to other useful resources. You might also get a better understanding of the major players in the area you are researching. 
5. Take notes. How you do this is up to you. Make sure you keep your research question and argument in mind so you can be more efficient when taking notes.

Skimming Technique

VIDEO: How to read a scholarly article

Watch this 2 minute 30 second video overview on one strategy for reading scholarly articles. 

Reading tips for scholarly articles

More Resources around How to Read a Scholarly Article

• Reading Scholarly Articles Interactive Tutorial

  From the University of Indiana.

• Strategies for Reading Academic Articles

  This handout provides strategies to help you read dense, lengthy academic articles efficiently and effectively. From George Mason University Writing Center.

• Note-Taking Template for Journal Articles

  Use this worksheet to help you take notes and learn important content in journal articles. From University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Want to know everything there is to know about how to read an academic article? Check out this presentation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Page Credits

Brandeis Library. "Is this article relevant to my research: A guide to skimming." Reading a scholarly article. https://create.piktochart.com/output/3854233-reading-a-scholarly-article

Meriam Library, California State University, Chico. "Things to Consider When Reading a Scholarly Article." What is a Scholarly Article and How Do I Find One?. 1 May 2019, https://libguides.csuchico.edu/c.php?g=462359&p=3163509

Western University. "How to Read a Scholarly Article." YouTube, 26 Apr. 2012, https://youtu.be/3SmOq6gENPM