Reading academic work

How to read academic work

Dr Ashley Casey

Without losing your mind

Without losing your mind

Academic workis not written the same way as books or magazines

Don’t Try and read them Like a book i.e. from beginning to end

It’s frustratingand time consuming

ReadIn three passes

First pass“the framework”

First passSkim Reading

First pass“the framework”

Abstract and Section headings

First pass“the framework”

Abstract and Section headings

Introduction and conclusion

First pass“the framework”

Abstract and Section headings

Introduction and conclusion

Table and Diagrams

Underline anyUnfamiliar Words

Q: what is the pointof this paper?

Q: what is the pointof this paper?

Q: what are the main argumentsof this paper?

Q: why is this paperimportant?

Q: how does it contributeto my study?

Summarize the paperin one or two sentences?

Second pass“Deep Dig”

Pay close attention to the beginning and end of each major section

Pay close attention to the Sections highlighted in the first pass

Look up any wordsYou still don’t understand

Try and answer anyQuestions you still have

Third pass“consolidation”

Reflection

Third pass“consolidation”

Reflection

Analysis

Third pass“consolidation”

Third pass“consolidation”

Arguments

Third pass“consolidation”

Arguments

Evidence

Third pass“consolidation”

Arguments

Evidence

Third pass“consolidation”

Conclusions

Q: Did the authors do whatthey set out to do?

Q: Did the authors do whatthey set out to do?

Q: Are the methods they used sound?

Q: Are their arguments fluid and logical?

Q: what assumptionsdid they make?

Lightbulb momentsdid they make?

What did you learn?did they make?

What did you learn?Summarize in a paragraph

Using your own wordsSummarize in a paragraph

Using your own wordsNoting any useful quotes

Remember don’t tryand read it cover to cover

The idea isto gain new knowledge

notlose your mind

How to read academic work

Questions?