Steps to Reading a Scientific Article
Do not read scientific articles like a book (first word to last word).
The worst way to read a scholarly articles is front to back. Scholarly article reading is very different from leisure reading. Follow these steps to take the mystery out of article reading.
Types of Journal Articles
In general, scientific literature can be primary or secondary. Reports of original research form the “primary literature”, the “core” of scientific publications. These are the articles written to present findings on new scientific discoveries or describe earlier work to acknowledge it and place new findings in the proper perspective. “Secondary literature” includes review articles, books, editorials, practice guidelines, and other forms of publication in which original research information is reviewed.
Adapted from: Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha. "Art of Reading a Journal Article." (2013).
Scientific Article Structure
Most scientific articles are organized as follows:
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Title: Topic and information about the authors.
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Abstract: Brief overview of the article.
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Introduction: Background information and statement of the research hypothesis.
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Methods: Details of how the study was conducted, procedures followed, instruments used and variables measured.
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Results: All the data of the study along with figures, tables and/or graphs.
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Discussion: The interpretation of the results and implications of the study.
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References/Bibliography: Citations of sources from where the information was obtained.
Adapted from: Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha. "Art of Reading a Journal Article." (2013).
How to Start Reading an Article
It is better to begin by identifying the conclusions of the study by reading the title and the abstract. If the article does not have an abstract, read the conclusions or the summary at the end of the article first. After reading the abstract or conclusions, if the reader deems it is interesting or useful, then the entire article can be read.
Adapted from: Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha. "Art of Reading a Journal Article." (2013).
Questionnaire for Scientific Articles
Adapted from: Drs Sudha and Nageswara Rao Siddhartha. "Art of Reading a Journal Article." (2013).
Ask for assistance, if needed.
If you are having trouble understanding an article, ask for help from your instructor, your classmate, a tutor or a librarian.
Examples
Check out the examples below to see how scientific articles are written and formatted.