reading academic work
TRANSCRIPT
How to read academic work
Dr Ashley Casey
Without losing your mind
Without losing your mind
Academic workis not written the same way as books or magazines
Don’t Try and read them Like a book i.e. from beginning to end
It’s frustratingand time consuming
ReadIn three passes
First pass“the framework”
First passSkim Reading
First pass“the framework”
Abstract and Section headings
First pass“the framework”
Abstract and Section headings
Introduction and conclusion
First pass“the framework”
Abstract and Section headings
Introduction and conclusion
Table and Diagrams
Underline anyUnfamiliar Words
Q: what is the pointof this paper?
Q: what is the pointof this paper?
Q: what are the main argumentsof this paper?
Q: why is this paperimportant?
Q: how does it contributeto my study?
Summarize the paperin one or two sentences?
Second pass“Deep Dig”
Pay close attention to the beginning and end of each major section
Pay close attention to the Sections highlighted in the first pass
Look up any wordsYou still don’t understand
Try and answer anyQuestions you still have
Third pass“consolidation”
Reflection
Third pass“consolidation”
Reflection
Analysis
Third pass“consolidation”
Third pass“consolidation”
Arguments
Third pass“consolidation”
Arguments
Evidence
Third pass“consolidation”
Arguments
Evidence
Third pass“consolidation”
Conclusions
Q: Did the authors do whatthey set out to do?
Q: Did the authors do whatthey set out to do?
Q: Are the methods they used sound?
Q: Are their arguments fluid and logical?
Q: what assumptionsdid they make?
Lightbulb momentsdid they make?
What did you learn?did they make?
What did you learn?Summarize in a paragraph
Using your own wordsSummarize in a paragraph
Using your own wordsNoting any useful quotes
Remember don’t tryand read it cover to cover
The idea isto gain new knowledge
notlose your mind
How to read academic work
Questions?