Reading Strategies - FAM SERV 1030 - Research Methods - Research Guides at University of Northern Iowa

Reading Tips

Here are a few tips for reading scholarly articles that are original research studies or experiments.

Consider printing the article. That way you can highlight, circle, and otherwise mark up while you read.
Label the article parts.
Start with the abstract—it should summarize the article. Think of it like the movie/TV series spoiler--but in this case you want that!
Don't be afraid to read out of order. This isn't a mystery novel or Netflix series--again, you want the spoiler right away!
First determine what the researchers found out (results), then figure out how they did it (methodology).
If the graphs & stats don’t make sense, skip them and read explanations around them instead.
Look up words you don't know.
Take notes. Margins are good for that.

How To Read a Scholarly Journal Article (5:10):

How to Read Academic Research, even if you're not an expert (11:43):