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Reading Journal Articles Advanced

This document provides guidance on reading journal articles for academic purposes. It begins by noting that standards and expectations can vary between academic fields and institutions, so it is important to check requirements. The document then outlines the typical structure of journal articles, including common sections like the abstract, introduction, methodology, findings/results, discussion/conclusion, and references. It emphasizes that abstracts are important as they summarize the entire article. The document also discusses techniques for critical reading, such as evaluating the validity, reliability, potential, and limitations of the information and arguments presented. It notes common patterns in journal article introductions and provides a framework for analyzing them. Overall, the document aims to help readers understand journal article formats and apply critical thinking

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Zaid Altaee
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63 views13 pages

Reading Journal Articles Advanced

This document provides guidance on reading journal articles for academic purposes. It begins by noting that standards and expectations can vary between academic fields and institutions, so it is important to check requirements. The document then outlines the typical structure of journal articles, including common sections like the abstract, introduction, methodology, findings/results, discussion/conclusion, and references. It emphasizes that abstracts are important as they summarize the entire article. The document also discusses techniques for critical reading, such as evaluating the validity, reliability, potential, and limitations of the information and arguments presented. It notes common patterns in journal article introductions and provides a framework for analyzing them. Overall, the document aims to help readers understand journal article formats and apply critical thinking

Uploaded by

Zaid Altaee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

Reading Journal

Articles
Advanced

Learning Enhancement Team


[email protected]
Variety is the Spice of Life!
Different Schools… ….Different Rules

– Can you use ‘I’ in an academic text?


– Should an essay have section headings?
– How long is a report?
– Do you use primary or secondary research?
– Footnotes, endnotes or no notes?
– Harvard style referencing or MLA? What about APA?

Which school are you in? What is acceptable and what is


unacceptable in your field?
Always check in your module handbooks or with your
tutor if you are concerned about appropriacy
© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 2
Reading Journal Articles Advanced Aims

—To review the structure of journal articles


—To look at ways to effectively select journal articles
—To discuss critical reading
—To practice reading a journal article

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 3


Journal Articles
With a partner, discuss:
—What is a journal article?
—What type of information can you find in a journal article?
—What is the difference between a journal article and a book?
—Have you read a journal article? How did you find it?

Journal arties are usually written by academic researchers


They often report on primary research conducted by the writer(s), but can also
discuss concepts, theories, frameworks or even just disagree with someone
else
Journal articles are shorter and more current than text books
They contain very specialized vocabulary, and can drop readers ‘in at the deep
end’

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 4


Reading Journal Articles
Books and Journal Articles have different strengths and
weaknesses. Look at this diagram – what does it tell you about the
advantages/disadvantges of books and journal articles?

Journal articles

Text books

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 5


Structure
How are journal articles structured?

1. Abstract

2. Introduction

3. Methodology

4. Findings/ Results

5. Discussion/ Conclusion

6. References

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 6


Abstracts
Abstracts can be extremely helpful – and save you a lot of time!
Why?

—Abstracts are a summary of the entire text


—They should contain the key ideas of the text, often
expressed through the key words used in the text.

—They should include the following:


• Purpose of the text

• Major findings

• Conclusion

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 7


Critical Reading
All writers have a reason to write – what do you think that is?
— Writers want to convince you that their idea/theory/conclusion
is correct. They use evidence, logical reasoning and argument
to do this.
All readers have a reason to read – what do you think that is?
— Readers must decide if they think the writer is correct. The
reader is like a jury. You must weigh up the evidence and
argument, and come to a verdict.

The AWL Open Workshop Critical


Thinking may help you improve your
criticality.

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 8


Critical Reading
When you are reading, think about:

1. Validity – Can I trust it?


2. Reliability – Is it true in different situations?
3. Potential – How easy is the information to apply /
use?
4. Limitations – Are there any issues or problems? Do
these outweigh the benefits?

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 9


Introduction
The introduction usually follows a set structure – this can help you
decide if you want to read further, and can also help you find your
way through the denser parts of the article.

— Move 1 – Establish a research territory


• Showing that the research area is important
• Introducing and reviewing previous research in the area
— Move 2 – Establish a niche
• Indicating a gap in the previous research
— Move 3 – Occupy the niche
• Outlining the purpose of the current research
• Announcing principle findings (optional)
• Indicating the structure of the article (optional)

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 10


Task
Read the introduction on the hand-out, and:

— Identify the three basic moves of an introduction.

— Identify the writer’s purpose (what do they want you to


believe?).

— Discuss how the writer supports their views / what


evidence will be presented?

— Consider how relevant you think the research is/will be.

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 11


Where now?
— Need more detailed assistance? Book a tutorial!
— Want feedback on a specific section? Drop in to Getting Your Assignment
Ready!
— Want somewhere quiet to write, and get on the spot assistance? Try The
Writing Space!
— Got a few quick questions? AWL Office Hours at [The Study Hub] are for
you!
— AWL Open Workshops can be booked here!
• Suggestions:
– Critical Thinking
– Integrating Sources In Your Writing

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 12


Reading Journal Articles Introduction

© Middlesex University Reading Journal Articles Advanced | 13

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