Scanning is a specific technique used within the broader activity of reading, primarily focused on quickly finding particular pieces of information.
Understanding Reading and Scanning
At its core, reading is the process of looking at a series of written symbols and getting meaning from them. It can be done for various purposes – for pleasure, detailed study, general understanding, or finding specific information.
Scanning, on the other hand, is a rapid reading technique with a very particular goal. According to the provided reference, "Scanning is reading rapidly in order to find specific facts". This distinguishes it from general reading, which might be slower and aimed at full comprehension or enjoyment.
Reading vs. Scanning: A Comparison
While scanning is a type of reading, they differ significantly in purpose, speed, and focus.
| Feature | General Reading | Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Comprehension, pleasure, study, etc. | Finding specific facts or information |
| Pace | Variable (can be slow, moderate) | Rapid |
| Focus | Overall meaning, plot, arguments, details | Keywords, numbers, names, specific details |
| Outcome | Understanding of the whole text | Location of specific information |
Practical Applications of Scanning
Scanning is a useful skill in many situations when you don't need to read every word. You use scanning when you are:
- Looking up a phone number in a directory.
- Finding a specific date or name in an article.
- Checking a schedule for a particular time.
- Searching an index in a book for a topic.
- Quickly reviewing search results for relevant links.
In these cases, your eyes move quickly across the page, looking only for keywords, phrases, numbers, or other visual cues that match what you are searching for.
Scanning and Other Rapid Reading Techniques
The reference highlights that scanning is related to but distinct from other rapid reading methods. It states, "Skimming and scanning are reading techniques that use rapid eye movement and keywords to move quickly through text for slightly different purposes."
While scanning is reading rapidly in order to find specific facts, the reference notes that "Skimming is reading rapidly in order to get a general overview of the material." This shows that even among rapid reading techniques, scanning is defined by its focus on locating precise information rather than grasping the main ideas or general content.
Key Differences Summarized
- Scanning is a specific method within the broader activity of reading.
- The primary goal of scanning is to find specific facts quickly.
- Scanning involves rapid movement through text, looking for keywords or cues.
- General reading can have many purposes beyond finding specific facts and is not always rapid.
