How to Read a Research Article in Social Sciences

This lecture focuses on teaching students how to read research articles actively and efficiently in the social sciences. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the argument and evidence, identifying the main argument, positions, and evidence used in the article. The instructor provides guidelines on reading the abstract, introduction, and conclusion, skimming the article, and making determinations about its relevance. The lecture also covers the requirements for the final assignment, which includes analyzing how authors construct arguments and connecting article content to course material. Students are encouraged to develop analytical skills and apply lecture content and debates to new issues.