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How to Read a Scientific Paper - Coggle Diagram
How to Read a Scientific Paper
Types of Scientific Papers
Technical notes
describe a specific technique or procedure
Pictorial essay
teaching article with images
Case reports
usually of a single case
Original article
information based on original research
Review
detailed analysis of recent research on a specific topic
Commentary
short article with author’s personal opinions
Editorial
often short review or critique of original articles
Letter to the Editor
short & on subject of interest to readers
Organization of a Paper
Title
describes paper’s content clearly using keywords (for databases and search engines)
Abstract
a summary (~ 150-200 words) of the
problem, the method, the results and the
Introduction
What was the question?
clearly states the problem being investigated & reasons for the research
Methods
How did the research(s) try to answer it?
provides the reader enough details so they can understand and replicate the research
Results
What did the researchers find?
presents the findings, and explains what was found; shows how the new results are contributing to the body of scientific knowledge
Discussion/Conclusions
What do the results mean?
describes what the results mean regarding what was already known about the subject
Acknowledgements
recognize various contributions of other workers
References
the sources of previously
published work
Actions to Take
Read the abstract; it will tell you the major findings of the article and why they matter
Jot down any questions or parts you don’t understand
If you are unfamiliar with any of the key concepts in the article, look them up in a textbook
Note any terms or techniques you need to define
Read first for the ‘big picture’
If you are unfamiliar with any of the key concepts in the article, look them up in a textbook
Write a ‘summary’ of the article
Ask yourself questions about the study
Other Useful Hints
Take notes as you read:
this improves recall and comprehension
develop a template for recording notes on articles
Distinguish main points
Document level: in title, abstract and keywords
Paragraph level: look for words/phrases like unexpected
Draw inferences (a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning)
not everything in an article is stated explicitly; rely on your prior knowledge/experience