1. Preview the Text
Before diving into the text, spend a few moments to get a sense of its content and structure. Look at the title, subtitles, headings, and subheadings. Consider the author’s credentials and the publication date. This initial assessment can provide valuable context for your reading.
2. Question As You Read
As you read, adopt a questioning stance. Ask whether the research is objective or biased, whether the results are meaningful and applicable, whether there are any gaps or omissions in the research, and whether the author’s premise is supportable.
3. Look for Links
Try to connect the information in the text with your existing knowledge or other texts you have read. This can help you identify similar ideas and contextualise the information, allowing you to form informed opinions.
4. Evaluate the Argument
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, analyse its components, and evaluate how the text has been organised. Consider whether the author’s conclusions are logical and how the ideas can be applied in practice.
5. Assess the Source
Evaluate the text’s appropriateness and quality as a research source. Consider the author’s credentials, the publication date, the intended audience, and the writing style.
6. Identify Gaps and Bias
Look for information that is presented without explanation or evidence. Be aware of generalisations, assumptions, opinions, and selective inclusion of evidence.
7. Play the Believing and Doubting Game
Adopt different perspectives as you read. First, imagine that you completely believe what the author is saying. Then, switch to a skeptical mindset and question the author’s assertions.