How to Read Journal Articles in the Social Sciences: A Very Practical Guide for Students

by Phillip Chong Ho Shon

This superb guide teaches you how to read critically.  Its no-nonsense, practical approach uses a specially developed reading code to help you read articles for your research project; this simple code enables you to decipher journal articles structurally, mechanically and grammatically. 

Refreshingly free of jargon and written with you in mind, it’s packed full of interdisciplinary advice that helps you to decode and critique academic writing.  The author’s fuss free approach will improve your performance, boost your confidence and help you    

Read and better understand content Take relevant effective notes Manage large amounts of information in an easily identifiable and retrievable format Write persuasively using formal academic language and style. New to this

Additional examples across a range of subjects, including education, health and sociology as well as criminology Refined terminology for students in the UK, as well as around the world More examples dealing specifically with journal articles. Clear, focused and practical this handy guide is a great resource for helping you sharpen your use of journal articles and improve your academic writing skills.

‘I have used the book over the last five years with my students with great success. The book has helped students to develop their critical thinking, reading and writing skills and when it comes to writing a dissertation they have used the code sheet in their own writing.’ - Pete Allison, Head of the Graduate School of Education, University of Edinburgh

The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!

Genres: Textbooks, Sociology

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Seb Yawlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book for my masters which I read cover to cover. Returning to higher education was a daunting prospect for me and particularly to study at masters level. However, Shon’s book provides a robust structure for tackling journals in the field I am studying whilst providing an accessible and understandable reasoning behind it. Before I launched into journals, I was unsure exactly how to read them without sitting there after quarter of an hour thinking, “What have I just read?” Now however, I feel equipped to begin this task and I look forward to it too.

[Algirdas Kraunaitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a very specific way of reading journal articles, a method that would be useful for those interested in making their academic lives a bit easier. I do not envision students following this method unless shown by lecturers during classroom time, so I a bit conflicted on the target audience for this book - is it students or lecturers? My own personal feelings veer towards the later.

[Terry Freedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was studying at school, I used different coloured pens to denote different kinds of notes, e.g. green meant someone’s opinion, while red meant factual information. When I went on to university I discovered packs of rainbow coloured paper, so I wrote biographical notes on yellow paper and key revision points on red paper. The author of this book has devised a much simpler (and cheaper) method of annotating notes, using codes such as SPL — Summary of Previous Literature. I believe that teachers might want to adapt this kind of structured approach to help their pupils read properly.

That sounds very insulting, because as the author points out, teachers assume that by the time youngsters reach secondary school age they are competent readers. However, unless they have been trained or have trained themselves to do otherwise, they probably read in the same way they were taught to when they were five years old.

This is not an easy read, being aimed at university students (I think) and their lecturers. However, I believe that it could be useful for teachers who despair at their pupils’ poor reading habits and/or low retention rates.

[V Massaglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with great intentions. I really appreciate the effort put into this work. Although for others ,it may be quite helpful; but for me, his technique is a bit too complex. And yes, I was looking for a magic bullet where I can just absorb the info. But I'm just not going to remember all of the codes he is suggesting no matter how hard I work at it. I was helpful in that it'll help me looking for specific things when reading articles. Thanks Dr. Chong Ho.

I'm starting to read the APA manual now. Should be 'fun!'

V