Analyzing & Summarizing Scholarly Research

Learning Objective:

This presentation will highlight some general techniques students can utilize when reviewing scholarly research.

An emphasis will be placed on reading strategies to improve comprehension, while also stressing the importance of critical thinking.

Highlighted skill sets will be directly applicable to the Diagnostic Essay assignments, and continued development of the ARP.

What Constitutes Scholarly Research?Here are some basic characteristics to consider:

It is based on original research or experimentation.

Composed by an individual(s) affiliated with an institution of higher learner (college/university).

Subject to the peer-review process.

Include footnotes and/or a bibliography.

Typically published by academic presses.

Scholarly vs. Popular

When attempting to distinguish scholarly journals from popular periodicals, there are a few things you should consider:

Coverage & Description Scholarly-main title typically covers one subject area. Popular-cover many titles in one issue. Scholarly-language is more technical/research specific. Popular-language is more simplistic/appropriate for general audience.

Authorship Scholarly-written by scholars/experts in the field. Popular-written by reporters/journalists/or staff writers

General Appearance of the Document Scholarly-published less frequently/little or no advertising Popular-published more frequently/contains extensive advertising

Just a Few Samples….

level

Parts of a Scholarly Article

Title and Author Information

• Identifies title of article, author(s), academic affiliations & relevant contact information

Abstract

• Paragraph summarizing main content of article

Introduction

• Presents research question being asked, provides context of research, & highlights previous work specific to topic

Methods

• Identifies how research was conducted

Results

• Results from research are presented along with any graphs or illustrations

Discussion

• Explains how results addressed main research question, & may suggest need for further research

References

• Presents publications cited by author(s) in their work

Summary Does Not = Evaluate

Primary Goal – provide a brief, accurate overview of key points of articles

Do not offer an evaluation or opinion of original article

Identify and illustrate the author(s) use of key points and supporting evidence

Refrain from using direct quotes or including too many specific details from the original article

Process of Summarizing

Briefly review the entire articleNote headings used to indicate main sections/topic shifts

Read the abstractReview the concise summary of the article

Read the articleGain a sense of the author’s topic & important relationships/connections between sections of the article.

Re-read the articleTake detailed notes in the margin of the paper, use different highlighters to distinguish between the abstract and more detailed information.

Process of Summarizing Continued

Observe connections

After writing the first draft of your summary, look for the connections between one main idea to another.

Remember, your summary should be concise and not too bogged down with excessive detail.

Read your summary to someone else

After reading your draft to someone else, ask them if the summary made sense, and effectively reflects the original article.

Finalize your document in a scholarly format

Introduce your source, and describe the key points of the original article. Maintain focus on proper APA citation, and remember, be concise.

Proofread your summary

Carefully review your document for any grammatical errors, formatting mistakes, or general content concerns.

Summary Sample

John Doe’s Writing for the Advancement of Psychology (2000) is a cross-disciplinary study which clearly illustrates procedural differences in the professional practice of psychology as they evolve through recurrent training approaches. To assist in the clarification of differences in knowledge-making practices, he identifies three patterns of variation specific to inter-disciplinary practice which range from direct application to in-direct learning.

Final Thoughts

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your instructor or graduate advisor.

Just remember, your summary should capture the main essence of the original article, yet, be more concise than the abstract.

Have fun and good luck with your article summaries.