How to read, summarize, take notes and critique a scientific article

Critiquing a research paper

Content of a Scientific Research article

Writing a summary of a research paper

Reading a research paper

What to look for and where to find it

Abstract

Results

Methods & Materials

Discussion

Introduction

Read in directed way

Skim to identify key findings

Abstract, discussion, introduction, results, method

Simulating interest in subject

Restate overall purpose

expanded version of abstract

explain authors approach

state key findings

impact on reserach

Note taking

Note taking template

Makes research easier

Saves time

presentation & interpretation

highlight strengths & weaknesses

Overall purpose

Relevant background information

Experimental approach

Key findings

Predictions or aaumptions made

Putting article in larger context

Has the research question been answered