When researching a topic, one of the challenges we face is information overload. Often, we’re so overwhelmed with the volume of reports / links / websites that we don’t know where to begin and can quickly get lost. We dive into each source and can get frustrated by the lack of relevance or lack of progress.
Here’s a step by step process to help you read critically and more efficiently.
Step 1: Predict
Before you begin, seek out a wide variety of authors and sources. In any research project, it’s important to consider a wide range of different points of view. Otherwise, there’s a risk we’ll only seek out opinions or information that confirm our existing biases. True critical thinkers take a fully rounded, objective approach to a project.
Then make an educated guess as to whether the text is worth reading. There are several clues you can look for. Start with the source. It is an author or a publication that appears reputable? Then the title. Does it appear relevant to your topic? Is there a sub-heading that appears intriguing?
Once you feel confident, you can begin to explore it. If not, either remove it from your reading list or at least de-prioritise it. Focus on the relevant stuff first. Then move onto step 2.
Step 2: Scan
Firstly, look quickly though the text. This is the ‘reading fast’ element. You need to get skilled at ‘speed reading’. Look for key words and phrases. Look at the various headings. Do they feel interesting or engaging? Pick out key phrases / topics. Do they feel relevant? Ask yourself - will it add to my existing body of knowledge? If not, abandon the text at this stage and try another source. If it appears to be worth reading, move onto the next step.
Step 3: Skim
Now you’re starting to read ‘properly’. Slow your reading down. Firstly, read the executive summary if there is one, so you can get an overview of the key messages. Then look at the introductory chapter. Does it feel interesting and relevant to the topic you’re exploring? Jump down to the concluding paragraph - what are the key messages or learnings?
At this point, you may well have got all you need from the document and are happy to move onto the next one. If you feel inspired or intrigued by what you’ve read and are keen to know more, progress to the final step.
Step 4: Deep Dive
This is all about reading the detail of the text carefully. Now, you’ve really slowed down. Avoid distractions. Take your time and immerse yourself fully in what’s being written. Weigh up what’s being said. Sometimes you may have to read sections several times to make sure you’ve grasped everything or not missed out on anything important. Remember to capture notes as you read to aid recall and structure your thinking. I’ll cover how you do this best in a separate post.
Throughout the whole process, you’re reflecting as you read - you’re ‘reading actively’. Remember this is critical reading, not reading for leisure or entertainment. Ask yourself a series of questions as you read, such as. What are my big learnings? Do I agree with the author’s point of view? How powerful is the argument? What’s the counterargument? Where’s the evidence? What’s missing? Have I shifted my position?
So in summary.
If you’re researching a topic, don’t be overwhelmed when faced with an extensive reading list. Follow this reading strategy and you’ll make the most of the vast resources of information at your disposal.
At times you need to be reading quickly in order to cover a range of sources and get a 360 degree perspective on the subject.
At times you need to read slowly to get a deeper understanding. Reflect and capture notes as you read. Don’t skimp on the good stuff and make sure you’ve captured a bibliography, so you can go back to the original sources if you need to.
However, always be prepared to abandon a text at any stage if it doesn’t appear relevant or engaging. There’s a lot of great stuff out there. Don’t waste your time.