Chapter 4 Summary - The Bedford Researcher

Reading critically, reading with an attitude, and reading actively are all thing discussed in chapter 4 of Mike Palmquist's book, The Bedford Researcher. Palmquist first makes it clear that reading critically and evaluating are related but reading critically involves meaningful questioning of what your source is saying as you are reading it. He also explains how to use your research questions to help with reading critically. To read with an attitude, Palmquist describes a few different methods, one of which is, keeping your readers' needs, interests, values, and beliefs in mind. Asking questions like, "Do my readers want to know these ideas and arguments that are presented in this source?" as you read will help you decide if the information you are looking at is suited for your audience. Ways to read actively, according to Palmquist, is a combination of, marking key info with a pen/highlighter or sticky notes; writing brief notes and annotations either in the margins of the page or again, on sticky notes; and taking notes to help keep track of your thoughts while reading. Chapter 4 is a great resource for help on writing papers that deal with a lot of information and sources, or even if you want to get, and remember, more details from your favorite novels, critically reading your source will make it easier to handle.