Summary Of A Published Article

You will complete a brief (1.5-2.5 pages) summary of a published article in communication. These articles must be from professional journals; these are available on-line or in Kent library. This type of article is called a peer-reviewed journal article.

The purpose of the assignment is to help you become familiar with the nature of professional writing and literature, and the contributions these publications make in advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of communication.

The assignment requires the following components: title page, a copy of first page of the article, summary, and reference page (one reference only – that of the article chosen for the summary). The summary itself should address each question below, according to what sub-type of article you have selected.

Step 1. Find an article that interests you.

            Specifications for articles:

1. Must be related to communication, from professional, academic, peer reviewed journals. Must be 2008 or newer. Not acceptable are articles from magazines such as Time, Ladies Home Journal, etc.

2. Also not acceptable are articles that are editorials, commentaries, interviews, essays or any introductory or conclusion essays in the issue of the selected journal.

3. Articles must be at least 5 pages in length.

4. The articles may be on either (1) research that was conducted by the writer or (2) articles on topics of interest/concern/theory by a professional (sometimes called “thought piece.”)

Step 2.  Write your summary and include all four pieces, on separate pages:

1. Title page

2. A photocopy of the first page of the article.

3. Write a summary (typed, double spaced; 1.5-2.5 pages) of the article. Identify which type of article (below) and answer the following questions, appropriate to your type of article:

For research articles: What was the research trying to find out?  Who was studied? How was the study conducted?  What were the results? What reaction did you have to the research article? How is this useful in your life?

For non-research articles/thought piece: What were the main points made by the writer? What differing views did the author present? Do you agree or disagree? Why? What did you learn and/or how did reading the article impact you? How is this useful in your life?