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CRJ 323: Research Methods

Anatomy of a Scholarly Article

Where to Start?

  1. Spoilers are key! Learn as much as you can about the article before you try to read it.
  2. Slow reading is good reading. Understand what you are reading rather than just getting through it.
  3. Take notes. Make note of the key elements and be able to write them in your own words. Identify and look up any words you don’t know.
  4. The Abstract is your best friend. Read this carefully to discover the research question, what they found, and how they did it.
  5. Let the headings be your guide. They summarize what is to come.
  6. Read out of order. Though we are taught to read from beginning to end, other methods are more useful. (See below.)

Reading Order

  1. Start with the title and abstract, making sure you understand all the words and can explain the purpose and results of the paper in your own words
  2. Skim the introduction until you find a clear statement of the research question, hypothesis, or thesis. Note the exact works, then write it in your own words.
  3. Read the conclusion to discover what they found, letting what you learned in the abstract guide you. Note key statements of the results. Again, be able to put them in your own words.
  4. Now go back and read the introduction and middle sections. You will understand what they are about better when you know what the question and results are.
  5. Look at the reference for other possible sources.
Subjects: Criminal Justice
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