Composition II - ENG 102: Reading & Analyzing a Scholarly Article

It helps to be familiar with the different parts of scholarly sources. Generally articles in the social sciences have a similar structure with section headings, tables or other graphic illustrations with statistical information. 

Here are the typical sections:

• The Abstract: a summary of the article, it should address the purpose, method, and results that will be found in the article.
• Introduction (or Background): describes the purpose of the article.
• Literature Review: a review of other articles on the topic.
• Methodology (or Methods): how the study was conducted and the data collected. For example, is the methodology done with a survey, case study, experiment, or observation.
• Results (or Findings): presents the outcomes of the research.
• Discussion: analyzes the results and how they relate to the topic. The discussion should evaluate whether the results answered the author's original questions. 
• Conclusion: reiterates points made throughout the article, including potential for further research. 
• References: works cited throughout the article by the author.   

When researching a topic you will likely find more sources than you could read in the time available for your project. Scholarly articles can be complicated to read, so it is important to evaluate the relevance of articles before you begin to read them from start to finish. 

Use these tips to help you get through the process quickly:

• Feel free to skim the article at first. 
• Use an encyclopedia or a dictionary to help you with unfamiliar terminology. A recommended source is Credo Reference 
• Read the abstract.
• There are 2 sections that are particularly important in understanding the article's topic. 
  • the introduction  
  • the conclusion 
• Check the methodology section, consider the type of research done and the data generated. Are they relevant to your assignment?
• If you have found that the article is useful for your research, read it again more closely. 

Step 1 - Consider the article as a whole
Examine the article as a whole. Try to determine the purpose, audience and content of the paper before you start reading. Some questions to consider:

• Who is writing the article?
• What are the author's qualifications?
• What audience is the author addressing?
• What is the article about?
• What sources does the author use?

Step 2 - Determine the purpose, structure and direction of the article
Now that you’ve looked at the article as a whole, start reading. Try for a level of engagement between reading and skimming.

• What is the author's main point, or thesis?
• What evidence has the author used?
• What limits did the author place on the study?
• What is the author’s point of view?

Step 3 - Read the article; pay attention to writing and presentation
As you read, watch not only for what the author is saying, but how it is said. This step requires that you read the article to gain an understanding of how the author presents the evidence and makes it fit into the argument. At this point, you should also take the time to look up any unfamiliar words or concepts. 

Step 4 – Criticism and evaluation of the article
Now that you’ve finished reading, consider your personal reaction to it.

• Was there anything that was left unfinished? Did the author raise questions or make points that were left orphaned in the paper?
• Did it make its case?
• What does the point made by the argument mean in or to the larger context of the discipline and of contemporary society?
• Is the organization of the article clear? Does it reflect the organization of the thesis statement?
• Does the author’s disciplinary focus lead her or him to ignore other ideas?
• Were there any problems with grammar, sentence structure, or word usage?
• What did you learn? What are you going to do with this information?

For more detailed information how how to follow these steps, please refer to the source, found: https://liubovborisova.com/images/UUacadenWriting/ArticleAnalysisReadingGuide.pdf