Understanding scientific articles can be perplexing and difficult, even for those with a thorough understanding of the subject. The jargon and complex concepts frequently overwhelm and discourage readers. This article's goal is to share how I read scientific articles.
The articles typically follow a certain structure that includes an abstract, an introduction, methods, results, discussion, and a conclusion. And here are some pointers to help you efficiently read, and comprehend scientific articles more effectively.
Steps for Reading a Research article
1. Understand the title
The first step is to comprehend the article's title and the purpose of the paper. It is critical to understand whether the paper is a review of previously published research, a critique, or new research. Why? because it can assist readers in making sense of the content.
2. Read each section thoroughly
You must be critical as you read the paper to avoid missing the research's purpose, limitations, and recommendations.
3. Look up for terminologies you don't understand
If it's not your field, there will be a lot of jargons, so write down every word you don't understand and look up its definition. You won't be able to understand the paper if you don't understand its vocabulary.
4. Annotate
Make comments as you read the paper. You may paraphrase a significant sentence to help you understand it better. If you want to learn more about any of the information mentioned, circle the cited paper. Don't forget to also annotate the figures.
5. Examine the Procedures!
I'm sure you'll read the entire paper if you want to learn more about the paper's purpose. And the methods section is not to be missed! You never know when you'll come across a new and interesting technique. There are times when researchers will go straight to the paper's method section to see if they can adapt the procedure described in the paper.
6. Read the Abstract
The abstract only contains the gist of the main points of the paper. Most people read the abstract first, but some prefer to read it last in order not to be influenced by the authors' interpretation of results.
In conclusion, as you read more papers, you will undoubtedly discover the strategy that works best for you in efficiently reading a paper. This is simply how I read a scientific paper; there is no set method for reading and comprehending a scientific article.
Images used as examples are from a 2018 study on Bioprocess optimization for pectinase production using Aspergillus niger in a submerged cultivation system by Enshasy et al.
Sources:
El Enshasy HA, Elsayed EA, Suhaimi N, Malek RA, Esawy M. Bioprocess optimization for pectinase production using Aspergillus niger in a submerged cultivation system. BMC Biotechnology. 2018;18(1). doi:10.1186/s12896-018-0481-7
