Scanning vs. Skimming

Attribute	Scanning	Skimming
Purpose	To quickly locate specific information	To get a general idea of the content
Speed	Fast	Fast
Depth	Shallow	Shallow
Focus	On specific details	On main ideas
Technique	Reading headings, subheadings, keywords	Reading first and last paragraphs, headings, keywords

Introduction

When it comes to reading, two common strategies that people use are scanning and skimming. Both techniques are used to quickly gather information from a text, but they have distinct differences in terms of how they are executed and the type of information they prioritize. In this article, we will compare the attributes of scanning and skimming to help readers understand when and how to use each method effectively.

Definition

Scanning involves quickly looking through a text to locate specific information or keywords. This technique is often used when you have a specific question or topic in mind and need to find the relevant details quickly. Skimming, on the other hand, is a method of reading that involves quickly glancing over a text to get a general idea of its content. Skimming is useful when you want to understand the main points of a text without reading every word.

Speed

One of the key differences between scanning and skimming is the speed at which they are performed. Scanning is typically faster than skimming because it involves looking for specific information rather than trying to understand the entire text. When scanning, you can quickly move your eyes across the page to find the keywords or phrases you are looking for. Skimming, on the other hand, requires a bit more time as you need to read enough of the text to grasp the main ideas.

Purpose

Another important distinction between scanning and skimming is their purpose. Scanning is used when you have a specific goal in mind, such as finding a particular fact or piece of information. This technique is often used when conducting research or looking for specific details in a text. Skimming, on the other hand, is more about getting a general sense of the text rather than finding specific details. Skimming is useful when you want to quickly understand the main points of a text without delving into every detail.

Technique

The techniques used for scanning and skimming are also different. When scanning, you typically move your eyes quickly across the text in a systematic way, looking for specific keywords or phrases. You may also use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to help guide your search. Skimming, on the other hand, involves reading more selectively. You may focus on the first and last sentences of paragraphs, headings, and any bold or italicized text to get a sense of the main ideas.

Information Retention

One of the drawbacks of both scanning and skimming is that they may not lead to as much information retention as thorough reading. When you scan or skim a text, you are more likely to miss important details or nuances that you would pick up on with a more careful reading. However, both techniques can be useful for quickly gathering information or deciding whether a text is worth reading more thoroughly.

When to Use Scanning

Scanning is best used when you have a specific question or topic in mind and need to find the relevant information quickly. This technique is particularly useful when you are conducting research or looking for specific details in a text. Scanning can help you save time by allowing you to quickly locate the information you need without reading the entire text.

When to Use Skimming

Skimming is best used when you want to get a general sense of a text without reading every word. This technique is useful when you are trying to decide whether a text is worth reading more thoroughly or when you need to quickly understand the main points of a document. Skimming can help you get an overview of the content and decide where to focus your attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scanning and skimming are two valuable reading techniques that can help you quickly gather information from a text. While scanning is best for finding specific details or keywords, skimming is more useful for getting a general sense of the content. By understanding the differences between scanning and skimming, you can choose the right technique for your reading needs and improve your efficiency when processing information.