Do you have any tips or strategies for reading a research article?

Answer

To read a research article, you can start with the abstract, then read the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. You can also try summarizing the research. 

 

Tips for reading research articles: 

  • Consider how it fits in with the field: Identify how the paper relates to your research project. 
  • Read strategically: Use a systematic approach to read the article. 
  • Identify the author's thesis: Consider the author's arguments and perspective. 
  • Check the evidence: Determine the limits of the study. 
  • Understand the specialized language: Research articles are written in a technical style for an audience that is assumed to already know the area well. 

 

Benefits of reading research articles: 

  • Helps you understand previous studies on a subject
  • Helps you identify questions that remain unanswered
  • Encourages scientific curiosity
  • Helps you see how each reading relates to your research project
  • Makes your writing process easier

 

You can use academic databases and search engines like CINAHL, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, Health Business Elite, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science.gov and many others to find research articles. 

Take a look at the following articles for more detailed information about reading research articles. 

  • Last Updated Feb 27, 2025
  • Views 4
  • Answered By Nicole Caskey

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