master of IB

04/03/2014

Issues in reading efficiently and effectively
• What kind of journal article are you reading?
• What are the features of this kind of article?
- Understanding the structure and function of sections will help you to read efficiently and effectively
• Which information from the article do you need to use for your research?

Reading and Analysing Journal Articles

- How much of the article do you need to read closely?
• How do you use this information in your assignments?

Presenter: Vanessa van der Ham
Learning Advisor: Postgraduate
Centre for Teaching and Learning
[e-mail]

- Read with a purpose

What kind of journal article?
1. Research articles
Report on individual studies that have been done

2. Reviews
Review the research of others to provide a critical overview of a topic

We’ll be looking at extracts from:
Different
purpose
Different
format

Roberts, M., & Pettigrew, S. (2007). A thematic content analysis of children’s food advertising. International Journal of
Advertising, 26(3), 357-367.

Present new theories or adapt or challenge existing ones

Abstract: Research report

How do you identify the kind of article before you start reading?
• Read the Title
• Read the Abstract
The Abstract provides you with an overview of the study:

In an era of unprecedented childhood obesity, uncertainty exists as to whether attitudes and behaviours modelled in food

Reasons for research advertising are influencing children’s diets. An audit of food advertising aimed at children was conducted to identify elements that may influence children’s food socialisation.

Aim of research
Specific purpose

Quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods were used to provide (1) descriptive statistics of incidence and

Method(s)

•

Reasons for the research: Why the research was necessary

•

Aim(s) of the research: What it was trying to find out

food advertisements screened

References: Cargill, M., & O’Connor, P. (2009). Writing scientific research articles: Strategy and 1 Lim, L. (2003). Reading journal articles. Retrieved from http://www.cdtl.nus.edu.sg/success/sl12.htm Manchester University. (2006) Academic phrasebank. Retrieved from 2 Roberts, M., & Pettigrew, S. (2007). A thematic content analysis of children’s food advertising Willemsen, M.C., & de Zwart, W.M. (1999). The effectiveness of policy and health education strategies for reducing adolescent smoking: A review of the evidence.