Short Answer
Complete Explanation
Scanning and surveying are two distinct yet complementary techniques used in active reading. They are often employed before a detailed reading to increase efficiency and comprehension.
- Scanning:
Scanning is a rapid reading technique where the eyes move quickly across the text to locate a specific piece of information, such as a date, name, keyword, or statistic. The reader does not read every word but instead searches for visual cues like bold text, numbers, or unique terms. It is used to answer targeted questions or find data without reading the entire text. - Surveying:
Surveying (also called previewing) involves glancing over the overall structure of a text before reading it in depth. The reader examines titles, headings, subheadings, introductory paragraphs, concluding paragraphs, captions, charts, and any summary or review questions. The goal is to get a mental map of the main ideas, organization, and key points. This technique is often part of the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) method.
Both techniques are foundational to efficient reading strategies taught in academic contexts and professional development. They reduce the time needed to process information and improve retention by setting a purpose for reading.
History / Background
The concepts of scanning and surveying emerged from research on reading efficiency in the early 20th century, particularly with the rise of speed reading movements. Psychologist William S. Gray conducted foundational studies on reading skills in the 1920s, distinguishing between careful reading and rapid reading for different purposes. In the 1940s, educators such as Francis P. Robinson developed systematic study methods like SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) that explicitly incorporated surveying as the first step. Scanning became formalized in instructional materials on study skills and reading comprehension from the 1960s onward. Today, these techniques are widely taught in schools, colleges, and workplace training programs as part of information literacy curricula.
Importance and Impact
Scanning and surveying have significant impact on academic performance, professional productivity, and everyday information management. Students who use these techniques can reduce study time while maintaining or improving comprehension. In professional settings, scanning allows workers to quickly locate data in reports, manuals, or databases, and surveying helps them decide whether a document warrants a thorough read. These strategies also contribute to critical thinking by encouraging readers to engage actively with text structure and purpose rather than passively absorbing content. The rise of digital media has increased their relevance, as readers must efficiently navigate large volumes of online information.
Why It Matters
For contemporary readers, scanning and surveying are essential skills for managing information overload. In an age of constant emails, news articles, reports, and social media, the ability to quickly identify relevant content saves time and cognitive energy. These techniques also support better learning by priming the brain for incoming information, which improves recall and understanding. Students preparing for exams, professionals conducting research, and anyone reading for personal enrichment can benefit from integrating scanning and surveying into their regular reading habits.
Common Misconceptions
Scanning and surveying are the same as skimming.
Skimming is a broader rapid reading technique that involves reading at a faster pace for general understanding. Scanning is narrowly focused on finding specific details, while surveying focuses on structure and main ideas. They differ in purpose and method.
Scanning and surveying replace in-depth reading.
These are preparatory techniques. They are meant to be used before or during detailed reading, not as substitutes. For full comprehension of complex texts, close reading is still necessary.
Anyone can scan or survey effectively without practice.
Like any skill, effective scanning and surveying require practice and conscious effort. Untrained readers may miss key cues or fail to maintain focus on specific search targets.
FAQ
What is the difference between scanning and surveying a text?
Scanning is used to locate specific information (e.g., a date or keyword) by quickly moving the eyes over the text. Surveying is a broader preview of the text's structure, headings, and summaries to get an overview of the content and organization before reading in depth.
When should I use scanning instead of surveying?
Use scanning when you need to find a particular fact, number, or term without reading the whole document. Use surveying when you want to understand the main topics or decide whether a document is worth reading thoroughly.
Can scanning and surveying improve my reading speed?
Yes, both techniques can increase reading efficiency by helping you focus on relevant parts and skip unnecessary details. However, they are not speed reading methods per se but rather strategic approaches to information handling.
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