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Sokratis: Being Critical

How to Read Journal Articles

This video gives you an overview of the major components of a research journal article.

How to read a journal article. 1. Abstract. The abstract is the summary of the article. 2. Conclusion. The conclusion tells you what  the paper found/is arguing, compares it to other research in the area, and describes how it can be used in the real world. 3. First paragraph of the Introduction. The author will often outline what they're going to talk about. This can help you find info most useful to you. 4. First sentence of each paragraph. Reading the topic sentences in the introduction tells you what the paragraph will be about so you can decide if you want to read it or not. 5. Rest of the article. You can read through the rest, now that you know what it's talking about

How to read a journal article infographic. Inspired by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Assess Your Source

UW-Stout Robert S. Swanson Library and Learning Center (2020)

Media Literacy