How To Skim Books And Journal Articles
How to Skim Books
Look through the chapter headings what do they tell you about the structure of the book as a whole?
Differences for Journal Articles
For an academic article, look at the section headings. These often have very predictable structures, with an introduction followed by a review of previous research
(the ‘literature review’); a ‘methodology’ section, explaining how the research was conducted; one or two sections on the findings; a discussion of the findings, relating them back to the earlier research discussed in the literature review; and a conclusions, summarising the main argument and suggesting some areas for further research.
Look at the preface (if there is one) and
In a journal article, the ‘abstract’ is a clear blurb on the back - what does this tell you and very short summary of the paper and about the position that the book takes and can help you decide whether it is worth the argument it makes? reading the whole paper.
Read the introduction - this usually gives a clear idea of what the author will argue, why the topic is important, and the structure of the book as a whole.
The same applies for journal articles: read the introduction. It will explain why this topic is important and overview the structure of the paper.
Is there a conclusion? If so, read this. It is usually short and will again summarise the main points and suggest possible implications or areas for further investigation. Academic journal articles will also have a conclusion. Sometimes you can get all the information you need from reading the introduction and conclusion.
Look back at the chapter headings. Do
Look back at the section headings. Do any any of them look particularly interesting or of them look particularly interesting or relevant? Perhaps you want to focus on relevant? The literature review might help those in particular? you understand the academic debates about this topic, or explain why it is important for practice. The discussion is likely to give you
Look through the chapter headings what do they tell you about the structure of the book as a whole?
Differences for Journal Articles
For an academic article, look at the section headings. These often have very predictable structures, with an introduction followed by a review of previous research
(the ‘literature review’); a ‘methodology’ section, explaining how the research was conducted; one or two sections on the findings; a discussion of the findings, relating them back to the earlier research discussed in the literature review; and a conclusions, summarising the main argument and suggesting some areas for further research.
Look at the preface (if there is one) and
In a journal article, the ‘abstract’ is a clear blurb on the back - what does this tell you and very short summary of the paper and about the position that the book takes and can help you decide whether it is worth the argument it makes? reading the whole paper.
Read the introduction - this usually gives a clear idea of what the author will argue, why the topic is important, and the structure of the book as a whole.
The same applies for journal articles: read the introduction. It will explain why this topic is important and overview the structure of the paper.
Is there a conclusion? If so, read this. It is usually short and will again summarise the main points and suggest possible implications or areas for further investigation. Academic journal articles will also have a conclusion. Sometimes you can get all the information you need from reading the introduction and conclusion.
Look back at the chapter headings. Do
Look back at the section headings. Do any any of them look particularly interesting or of them look particularly interesting or relevant? Perhaps you want to focus on relevant? The literature review might help those in particular? you understand the academic debates about this topic, or explain why it is important for practice. The discussion is likely to give you