CLOSE READING
Find one empirical research article, or a literature review on a subject of interest. The article should have been published within 5-10 years ago. Read it in depth. Print it out and annotate it in the margins. Your annotations should include 1) the main ideas in your own words; 2) A statement about why the research is significant. 3) Highlighting of the most important supporting information that you think should be included in a summary. 4) Any questions you have or ideas that are not clear to you. 5) Any evaluation you may have about the work or its authors.
- WRITE A SUMMARY
Then using your notes, summarize the study in one or two paragraphs. Do not state your opinion and avoid judgements of any kind. Simply summarize the research as concisely as possible in your own words. Do not use direct quotation. Do not include your own opinion or analysis. Use a scientific style. (seeThe Art of Writing Science). Be clear and concise. Avoid wordiness (examples). Use as few words as you need to communicate effectively. As you work, be sure to consider the following.
THE RESEARCH QUESTION
- What is the broad question or problem being investigated? Why is it important?
- What are any narrower questions addressed in this study?
- What is the gap in the previous literature that this study is seeking to elucidate?
- What is the author’s hypothesis if one is clearly stated?
METHODS
- What research methods were used?
- What population was studied?
- How was the data analyzed?
RESULTS and DISCUSSION
- What were the findings?
- What were the author’s conclusions?
- What evidence did the author use to support the conclusions?
FUTURE RESEARCH
- Identify any weaknesses or limitations of the study.
- What might be some directions for future research?
