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Reading, summarizing, and critiquing a scientific research article -…
Reading, summarizing, and critiquing a scientific research article
Available information contained in a research research article.
Understand the layout of a research article and where to find the information you need.
Understand the main idea or goal of the research.
Become familiar with the experimental design.
Understand the key findings of the research.
Why does their research matter? What are the implications of their findings?
Structure of a journal article
Abstract
Contains all of the pertinent details of the paper in a succinct synopsis.
Introduction
This section provides the purpose of the research as well as any significant background information on the subject. This section also presents the problem or question that the research seeks to answer.
Materials and methods
Explains the experimental design, procedure, and steps used to obtain the information.
Results
This section defines the main results of the study in some detail.
Discussion
This section explains the importance and implications of the results. This section also explores the research question and whether it was answered. This is also where you will find recommendations for future research.
Reading a research paper.
Use a structured method when reading a research paper.
Understand what the paper is about in general.
Look up key terms or questions that are unclear.
Use active learning through by jotting down notes as you read.
Read the abstract, discussion/conclusion, and introduction first.
Read the rest of the paper and read it again to make sure that you understand the concepts.
Writing a summary of a research paper
A summary is a brief synopsis of the overall paper in your own words.
Determine the purpose of the article.
Is the research relevant to that particular field?
Discuss their findings and why they are relevant.
On the grand scheme of things, why is their research important?
Critiquing a research paper
A critique is different than a summary because you are analyzing and presenting the strengths and weaknesses of the article.
Do the methods used make sense?
Is the research relevant to a current scientific problem or issue?
Were the objectives clear and defined?
Is the data presented comprehensible?