SHSS - PDEV - Search research literature effectively: Read for Research

Thanks to NCSU Libraries for this excellent tutorial!

These resources can help you

Reading a research article is different from reading a magazine article or a web posting for interest or pleasure. The steps below outline a method to do it. It is based on Earl R. Babbie's The Practice of Social Research. 15th ed. Mason, OH: Cengage, 2020, Chapter 17. 

Remember, you want to do close (in-depth, careful, critical) reading for research.

1. Abstract first

• Helps you decide if you want to read the whole thing
• Gives you a framework for reading the rest – prepares you

2.Skim

• Note headings and look for graphs & tables
• Pay close attention to *methods* and *conclusion*

3. Read

• Carefully read the whole thing
• Take notes

4.Re-skim

• Anything new pop out?
• New ideas?
• New questions or critiques?
• New connections in your mind?

Some helpful videos (try one)

• How to Read a Scholarly article - video (2 min 34 sec)  by Western University
• How to Read a Scholarly Article -   video (5 min, 11 sec)  by  Kishwaukee College Library
• How to Read Academic Research - video (11 min 43 sec) by Russell James