You will probably find far too many journal articles and book chapters to read for your assignment, and if you try to read all of them the whole way through every time, you'll start to drown in the literature.
So follow these tips for reading articles to read smarter, not harder.
Read the abstract first
The article is summarised in the abstract. If you've read the abstract, but didn't see anything that might be helpful, put that article aside and move on.
Read the introduction and conclusion next
Most of the important details will be mentioned in the introduction and conclusion. If they look promising, move to the skimming phase.
Skim the discussion, then the rest of the article
Read the first sentence of each paragraph and skim through the rest of the paragraphs to look for keywords that stand out. Then you can target the paragraphs with the most useful information to read in more depth.
Scan the reference list
One good article can lead you to another - even an "average" article might lead you do a better one. Take a look at the reference list to find more resources to follow.
From your JCU Learning Centre
Scholarly vs. Popular Periodicals
What is a scholarly journal?
Your instructor has asked you to find an article in a scholarly (or professional or refereed or peer-reviewed) journal. Scholarly journals differ from popular magazines and trade journals/magazines in a number of ways. (See "Comparison Chart" below.) A primary difference between scholarly journals and other types of journals and magazines is that articles in these journals undergo a "peer review" process before they are published. What does this mean?
The following characteristics can help you distinguish between these and two other types of periodicals: popular magazines and trade publications. If in doubt, ask your teacher or a librarian for assistance. View a helpful video on peer-review. https://youtu.be/7Vc5bgyAXSU?si=mOAp14IqSeIdUETu
|
Criteria |
Scholarly Journal |
Popular Magazine |
Trade Magazine/Journal |
|
Example |
Social Work Practice |
Time Magazine |
Billboard |
|
Content |
In-depth, primary account of originalfindings written by the researcher(s); very specific information, with the goal of scholarly communication. |
Secondary discussion of someone else's research; may include personal narrative or opinion; generalinformation, purpose is to entertain or inform. |
Current news, trends and products in a specific industry; practical information for professionals working in the field or industry. |
|
Author |
Author's credentials are provided; usually a scholar or specialist with subject expertise. |
Author is frequently a journalist paid to write articles, may or may not have subject expertise. |
Author is usually a professional in the field, sometimes a journalist with subject expertise. |
|
Audience |
Scholars, researchers, and students. |
General public; the interested non-specialist. |
Professionals in the field; the interested non-specialist. |
|
Language |
Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; requires expertise in subject area. |
Vocabulary in general usage; easily understandable to most readers. |
Specialized terminology or jargon of the field, but not as technical as a scholarly journal. |
|
Graphics |
Graphs, charts, and tables; very few advertisements and photographs. |
Graphs, charts and tables; lots of glossy advertisements and photographs. |
Photographs; some graphics and charts; advertisements targeted to professionals in the field. |
|
Layout & Organization |
Structured; includes the article abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results (evidence), discussion, conclusion, and bibliography. |
Informal; may include non-standard formatting. May not present supporting evidence or a conclusion. |
Informal; articles organized like a journal or a newsletter. Evidence drawn from personal experience or common knowledge. |
|
Accountability |
Articles are evaluated by peer-reviewers* or referees who are experts in the field; edited for content, format, and style. |
Articles are evaluated by editorial staff, not experts in the field; edited for format and style. |
Articles are evaluated by editorial staff who may be experts in the field, not peer-reviewed*; edited for format and style. |
|
References |
Required. Quotes and facts are verifiable. |
Rare. Little, if any, information about source materials is given. |
Occasional brief bibliographies, but not required. |
|
Paging |
Page numbers are consecutive throughout the volume. |
Each issue begins with page 1. |
Each issue begins with page 1. |
|
Other Examples |
Scholarly Journals |
Popular Magazines |
Trade Magazines/Journals |
Source: Susan Moore, Limestone College Based on Scholarly vs. Popular Materials by Amy VanScoy, NCSU Librar