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Chapter 11 & How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles -…
Chapter 11 & How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles
Chapter 11: Reading, Summarizing, and Critiquing a scientific Research Article
Content of a scientific research article
Understand what info to look for & where to find it in the article
Abstract: Mini summary of the paper
Introduction: Gives relevant background info & states the overall question or purpose of the paper
Materials & Methods: Explains experimental/study approach
Results: Delineates all findings of work, states main results of the research, and outlines the general approach for each step of the study
Discussion: Discusses key findings & their significance, answers the overall question of the paper, and points out the importance/potential impact of the research
Reading a research paper
Read in a directed way:
Gain an overview
Clarify questions & unfamiliar terminology
Take notes
First read the abstract, intro, & conclusion to make sure you do not miss any key material
Second, read through the entire paper. Look closely at figures & write down questions/terminology you don't understand
Third, reread the entire paper again to ensure understanding of all important details
Writing a summary of a research paper
Think of a summary as an expanded version of the abstract but written in you own words
Answer after reading:
What is the overall purpose?
How does the research fit in to the context of this field?
What was the general experimental/study approach?
What are the key findings?
How are the reported findings different or better?
What are the major conclusions drawn from the findings?
What is the overall importance of the work?
Guide for writing summary:
Begin summary by describing main question or purpose
Explain mhow the authors approached the study
Describe the key findings
Briefly discuss the meaning of the findings
Conclude by stating the overall impact of the research, and explain why you think the study is relevant
Critique the research paper
Highlight the strengths AND weaknesses of approach, presentation, & interpretation
Point out shortcomings and limitations
Video: How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles
How to read a scientific research article
Skim article to identify key findings
Read paper in order of:
Abstract
Discussion
Introduction
Results
Methods
After reading each section ask yourself if article is relevant
Articles contain four types of information:
Purpose (why)
Methodology (how)
results (what was found)
Conclusion (what it means)
How/Where to find important info
Discussion: Clearly answers research question and explains how results support conclusions
Introduction: Stimulate interest and put the article in larger context
General -> Specific -> Focused question
Results: What the authors found and key data often shown in figures/tables
Methods: What experiments were done to answer question
Key places to look for main points:
Article's title
Abstract
Keywords
Figure & table titles
First & last sentences of introduction
Take effective notes
Will save time & make research easier