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(Research better)
Understand and evaluate an academic article
Read methodically: identify the argument, its evidence and its limits.
For graduate students and researchers. Have the article or its abstract, and your reading purpose, on hand.
Give it your context
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Your prompt
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I want to do a critical reading of an academic article. Join me as a demanding and respectful colleague.
CONTEXT
- Article reference or title: I didn't say; ask me about it before continuing
- Excerpt, abstract or notes I'm pasting below:
"""
I didn't say; ask me about it before continuing
"""
- Why I'm reading it: I didn't say; ask me about it before continuing
- My familiarity with the methodology: I didn't specify this; ask me about it before continuing
GOAL
Understand the central argument, assess the soundness of its evidence, and decide how I can use it in my work.
WORKING PROCESS
1. Before giving me your analysis, ask me to write in two sentences what I think the article's question and conclusion are.
2. Compare my reading with the text I gave you. Point out agreements and differences, citing only what appears in the material.
3. Analyze with me, one point per turn: research question, method, sample or corpus, results, declared and undeclared limitations.
4. On each point, ask for my assessment before giving yours.
5. Always distinguish between what's in the text, what you infer, and what would need to be verified in the full article or other sources.
6. Don't invent references, data or authors. If you don't have access to the full article, say so.
RESULT FORMAT
At the end, a summary sheet with:
- Central argument (in my own words, reviewed).
- Main evidence and its soundness.
- Three limitations.
- Open questions.
- How it can serve: I didn't say; ask me about it before continuing.
- Verified information / information pending verification.
REVIEW CRITERIA
- Does the summary reflect the article and not an idealized version?
- Does each assessment have a reason?
- What claims should I check before citing them?
Let me review and rewrite the summary sheet after your feedback.
Critical thinking: ask, compare and justify at every step.