Reading research

Critical reading involves an analysis and evaluation of what we are reading. We draw on our experiences and practices, knowledge and perspectives to critically read. Reading can also be an opportunity to extend our knowledge and to critically reflect on our experiences, practices and perspectives. Here are some questions to consider as you read:

What do you bring to the reading?

• What is your interest in this reading?
• What is your social identity/location?
• What experiences, knowledge and perspectives do you draw on as you read? How familiar are you with the topic?
• What perspectives influenced your reading?

What does the author bring to the text?

• Does the author locate her/himself?
• What is the author's purpose for the research and/or writing? How will the research improve practice?
• How does the author locate the research?

What does the author say?

• How are participants represented?
• What are the main points of the writing?
• What evidence does the author offer to support the points? What kind of data does the author present? Is there enough?
• Does the author describe challenges in the research process or contradictions in what was learned in the research?

What is your response to the reading?

• Does the writing resonate with you?
• Do you find the writing credible, based on your experience and knowledge?
• Does the research relate to your research topic? Will it help to locate and inform your research?
• Is there a practice, perspective or position articulated in the reading that particularly engages or resonates with you? Why?
• Is there a practice, perspective or position articulated in the article that you find yourself resisting? Why are you resistant?
• Have your views shifted through reading this selection? How?
• How might you apply an idea from this reading to your research in practice? (e.g., does it address some of the purposes for literature reviews suggested at the beginning of the chapter?)