How to read journal articles in the social sciences: a very practical guide for students

Shon's writing is engaging and entertaining; he opens up the "black box" of academic reading and writing, explaining how to decode and critique formal scientific writing and systematically organize information gained from reading journal articles'
- Dr Lorraine Whitmarsh, School of Psychology, University of Cardiff, UK
'Once the reader has mastered Philip Shon's codes and applied them to texts, it will become increasingly impossible not to write and critique with integrity. I thoroughly recommend this book'
- Professor Helen Cowie, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK

Many texts provide tips for successfully writing theses, dissertations, and journal articles. All argue that writing is like any other skill - it has to be developed, taught, and practiced daily. The same is certainly true of academic reading, yet many advanced students have trouble with the essential skill of 'reading critically'.

This handy guide teaches you how to read so you're able to maximize your output in the writing process, whether you're a student or early career researcher. The author's unique reading code teaches you how to approach social and behavioural science journal articles as texts that can be deciphered structurally, mechanically and grammatically.

The strategies included allow you to systematize the reading, note-taking and organizing of voluminous amounts of information in an easily identifiable and retrievable format, which will be a huge confidence boost to anyone who struggles with this first phase in the writing process.

This book is indispensable for social and behavioural science students and researchers worldwide wanting to sharpen their critical evaluative skills for better academic writing.
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SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills website for tips, quizzes and videos on study success!