How to Read a Scholarly Article: How to Read a Scholarly Article

There are many ways to read a scholarly article, just as there are many different types of scholarly articles. The suggestions on this page are general best practices. However, you should always double check with your professor to see if they want you to read in a specific way or for specific information. 

Here are a few best practices when reading through a scholarly article. They are taken from library guides from Brown University, the University of Southern California, and Defiance College. 

How does it relate to your research question? 

• Does the article address a big part of your research topic? A small part of it?
• Take note of what you might be able to specifically use (quotes, figures, data) to support your argument

You do not have to read in order

• You should begin with the abstract (the summary), but you can go to whatever section might be most useful to you (sometimes the discussion and conclusion)
• Peruse the references section to look for titles of articles that might also be relevant to your research topic

Take notes! 

• Take notes in whatever way makes sense to you and in whatever format, be it digitally or on paper
• Look up words you don't know, make comments on important parts or parts of the article you think you might use

Situate yourself for success

• Scholarly articles can be dense and difficult to get through. Set aside a realistic amount of time to go through each one
• Place yourself where you study best (e.g. the library, a quiet room, a cafe)