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How to Read Academic Literature

Fast-track your literature review with these simple techniques

By Derek Jansen (MBA)

Updated

Pick your reference style

  • APA Social sciences

    Jansen, D. (2024). How to Read Academic Literature. Grad Coach. https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/

  • MLA Humanities

    Jansen, Derek. "How to Read Academic Literature." Grad Coach, Aug. 23, 2024, https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

  • Chicago History and arts

    Jansen, Derek. "How to Read Academic Literature." Grad Coach. August 23, 2024. https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/.

  • Harvard Author–date, general use

    Jansen, D. (2024) 'How to Read Academic Literature', Grad Coach. Available at: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/ (Accessed: 7 September 2026).

  • Vancouver Medicine and science

    Jansen D. How to Read Academic Literature [Internet]. Grad Coach; 2024 [cited 2026 Sep 7]. Available from: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/

  • IEEE Engineering and tech

    D. Jansen, "How to Read Academic Literature," Grad Coach, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/. [Accessed: Sep. 7, 2026].

Podcast By Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023

If you’re working a literature review, this one is for you. Today, we’re discussing how to work smarter to speed up the process of reading academic papers. We’ll dive into key strategies like categorizing and prioritizing your reading list, skimming, scanning, and focusing on your research questions.

Overview:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:30 Categorizing and Prioritizing
  • 01:55 Understanding Research Methods
  • 02:32 Reading with Intention and Critical Thinking
  • 09:03 Skimming and Scanning
  • 17:59 Balancing Hard Work and Smart Strategies
  • 26:04 Practical Tips and University Guidelines
  • 28:08 Final Thoughts

Key resources:

Free Templates & Tools 1-On-1 Private Coaching Blueprints The Grad Coach Blog

Pick your reference style

  • APA Social sciences

    Jansen, D. (2024). How to Read Academic Literature. Grad Coach. https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/

  • MLA Humanities

    Jansen, Derek. "How to Read Academic Literature." Grad Coach, Aug. 23, 2024, https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

  • Chicago History and arts

    Jansen, Derek. "How to Read Academic Literature." Grad Coach. August 23, 2024. https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/.

  • Harvard Author–date, general use

    Jansen, D. (2024) 'How to Read Academic Literature', Grad Coach. Available at: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/ (Accessed: 7 September 2026).

  • Vancouver Medicine and science

    Jansen D. How to Read Academic Literature [Internet]. Grad Coach; 2024 [cited 2026 Sep 7]. Available from: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/

  • IEEE Engineering and tech

    D. Jansen, "How to Read Academic Literature," Grad Coach, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://gradcoach.com/how-to-read-academic-literature/. [Accessed: Sep. 7, 2026].

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