When reading peer reviewed or academic articles, do not read them straight through!  Instead, read the sections in the order that will best help you understand and analyze the content in relation to your own research question.

• Read articles more than once. 
• Read first for the big picture, then go back and re-read for the details. 
• Look up words/concepts that are unfamiliar. 
• Take notes in your own words, perhaps as answers to the questions posed below.

Chart derived from “How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles”,
a short video produced by the University of Minnesota Libraries

Sage Campus supports the teaching and learning of skills and research methods through 280+ hours of structured online learning. The online courses are self-paced and instructor-led, comprising an engaging mix of Sage-quality content, video, interactives, and formative assessments.

NOTE: Initial access requires registration with Northwestern email address.  Registered user can access from anywhere at: https://classroom.sagepub.com

The following courses are all at the Beginner learner level.  Estimated time to complete each course is listed below however, feel free to use just those modules within a course that you find useful.

• Critical Reading and Writing  |  2 hours
  • Module One: Being Critical: What, How, and Why
  • Module Two: Being a Critical Reader
  • Module Three: Reading the Right Things, the Right Way
  • Module Four: Preparing to Write Critically
  • Module Five: How to Write Critically
• Critical Thinking  |  10 hours
  • Module One: Why Bother Thinking Twice?
  • Module Two: What's the Point of Arguments?
  • Module Three: How Can I Argue My Case?
  • Module Four: What's the Best Explanation?
  • Module Five: Why We Get Things Wrong
  • Module Six: Handling Information Overload