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Sociology 20 (Xiong)

Social Problems

Strategies for Reading a Scholarly Article

#1 Jump Around

  • On your first time around, read the sections that will help you determine if you want to read more deeply.

#2 Read Strategically; Ask Questions

  • Read the article looking for very specific information.  Example:  How does the article relate to my research project?  See handout for key questions.

#3 Mark up the Article

  • Interact with the article by highlighting and making notes.

#4 Cut through the Jargon

#5 Read & Repeat

  • If the article appears useful, re-read again.  This time you may wish to tackle it from beginning to end.

#6 Go to the Sources

  • Skim the titles found in the Reference section.  Are there other sources relevant to your research?

Adapted from: https://libguides.valdosta.edu/reading-scholarly-articles

Anatomy of an Article

Anatomy of a Scholarly Article: Interactive Tutorial

Article for Review

Meldrum, Ryan Charles, John H. Boman, and Sinchul Back. 2019. “Low Self-Control, Social Learning, and Texting While Driving.” American Journal of Criminal Justice 44(2):191–210.

Handout

Questions for Analyzing a Scholarly Article (Google Doc)

How To Read a Scholarly Article

from Western Libraries (2:34)