COMM 128: Media and Society

Abstract: Brief summary of the article, including methodology and results.

Introduction: Background information about the topic of research, with reasoning for why the study is being done.

Methods: How the study was done. The details of the research, including setup and how data was collected.

Results/Findings: Presentation of the data from the study. This section often includes charts, tables and graphs as visual representations of the data.

Discussion: Analysis of the data, and how the study relates to existing knowledge of the topic. The authors evaluate whether the results of their study actually answered their research question.

Conclusion: The authors wrap up the article by discussing how their study adds to the existing knowledge on the topic and outline potential research for further studies.

References: List of resources (articles, books, journals, etc) that authors consulted when developing their research.

Don’t be afraid to jump around: Scholarly articles don't have to be read like a book, paragraph by paragraph, line by line. It's ok to skim and scan! 

Read the abstract first: Previews the entire article, makes it easier to judge whether it is relevant.

Next, read the introduction and conclusion: Learn more about the topic of study and what the authors found out in the process.

Take a look at the tables, charts and graphs: Get a better idea of the results of the research or analytical study. 

Mark it up: Engage with your source! Take notes, highlight important sections. Look for what is missing as well as what is there. 

Find the source: Consult the introduction and references for other potential sources to follow up on.