Reading scholarly articles can be challenging, especially for university students who are new to academic research. Here are some tips you can begin to apply to effectively begin navigating and understand scholarly articles:
Research papers generally follow a specific format. Here are the different parts of the scholarly article.
Abstract (Summary)
The abstract, generally written by the author(s) of the article, provides a concise summary of the whole article. Usually it highlights the focus, study results and conclusion(s) of the article.
Introduction (Why)
In this section, the authors introduce their topic, explain the purpose of the study, and present why it is important, unique or how it adds to existing knowledge in their field. Look for the author's hypothesis or thesis here.
Introduction - Literature Review (Who else)
Many scholarly articles include a summary of previous research or discussions published on this topic, called a "Literature Review". This section outlines what others have found and what questions still remain.
Methodology / Materials and Methods (How)
Find the details of how the study was performed in this section. There should be enough specifics so that you could repeat the study if you wanted.
Results (What happened)
This section includes the findings from the study. Look for the data and statistical results in the form of tables, charts, and graphs. Some papers include an analysis here.
Discussion / Analysis (What it means)
This section should tell you what the authors felt was significant about their results. The authors analyze their data and describe what they believe it means.
Conclusion (What was learned)
Here the authors offer their final thoughts and conclusions and may include: how the study addressed their hypothesis, how it contributes to the field, the strengths and weaknesses of the study, and recommendations for future research. Some papers combine the discussion and conclusion.
A scholarly paper can be difficult to read. Instead of reading straight through, try focusing on the different sections and asking specific questions at each point.
Preview the Article: Begin by skimming the article to get an overview of its structure and content. Look at headings, subheadings, and any visuals (tables, figures) to grasp the organization.
Read the Abstract: Start with the abstract to understand the article's main objectives, key findings, and relevance to your research.
Identify the Research Question: Look for the research question or hypothesis stated in the introduction. This will guide your understanding of the article's purpose.
Examine the Methodology: Pay close attention to the methodology section to understand how the research was conducted. Focus on data collection methods, sample size, and any unique approaches used.
Skim the Results: While you don't need to delve deeply into every detail, skim through the results section to identify major findings and trends. Pay special attention to tables, graphs, and significant statistics.
Read the Discussion: In the discussion section, the authors interpret their results and provide context. Analyze how they link their findings to the research question and existing literature.
Check for Citations: Note the references cited throughout the article. This can lead you to additional sources for your own research and help you gauge the article's credibility.
Evaluate the Author's Credentials: Consider the author's qualifications and expertise in the field. This can impact the article's reliability and authority.
Assess the Journal: Take into account the reputation of the journal where the article is published. Peer-reviewed journals are generally more trustworthy sources.
Take Notes: As you read, jot down key points, your thoughts, questions, and any new terms you encounter. Organize your notes for future reference.
Engage in Active Reading: Stay engaged with the text by asking questions, making connections, and critically evaluating the content. Challenge assumptions and consider alternative interpretations.
Avoid Overloading: Don't try to read too many articles in one sitting. Scholarly articles can be dense, so take breaks to process information effectively.
Discuss with Peers: Share your thoughts and interpretations with classmates or colleagues. Engaging in discussions can help clarify concepts and deepen understanding.
Use Online Tools: Utilize reference management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organize and cite articles efficiently.
Seek Help: Don't hesitate to consult your professors, academic advisors, or librarians for guidance when you encounter challenging articles or need assistance with research strategies.
Practice Regularly: Reading scholarly articles is a skill that improves with practice. Make it a habit to read articles regularly to build your comprehension and analytical abilities.
Time Management: Allocate dedicated time for reading and understanding scholarly articles. Avoid last-minute rushes, as this can hinder comprehension.
Reflect on Application: Consider how the article's findings and concepts can be applied to your research or coursework. This practical approach can enhance your understanding.
This video explains the peer review process for academic sources.