PSCI 361 - Political Research

1. Skim the Entire Article

• Read the abstract
• Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
• Watch out for “signposts” (e.g., “This study…,” “I will argue…,”  “Results demonstrated…,” “Future research…”)
• Focus on specific sections (e.g., Introduction, Discussion)

• Look for the following specifics:
  • What is the title?
  • Who are the authors and what are their credentials?
  • Are there research questions? What are they?
  • How was the study conducted (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, # participants)?
  • What are the findings?
  • What is the author’s thesis?

2. Read In-Depth

• Highlight or underline key terms, ideas, theories, names
• Define or identify any terms that are unknown
• Write any questions or comments that you have in the margins
• Mark any confusing sections to reread later
• Understand how the findings are being interpreted (e.g., what does the author see as the implications)
• Analyze the article, considering:
  • Evidence
  • Assumptions
  • Sources used (relevant? credible? current?)
  • Author bias

3. Respond

• Summarize the article in your own words, addressing all main points
• Respond by agreeing or disagreeing, interpreting, or analyzing the text