How to Read a Scientific Research Paper

When envisioning a scientific research paper, an image comes to mind of long, multi-syllable words and even longer, confusing sentences. The terms "scientific," "research" and "paper" are enough to bring a dazed look to many people's faces. Reading one of these papers does not have to be overwhelming. Follow the steps to simplify the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Get an Overview

1. Skim the research paper quickly. Note basics like headings and figures. Expect this to take only a few minutes. Know that you just want to get an overview; you are not trying to understand it yet.
2. Scan through the paper word by word, line by line, highlighting or underlining words and phrases you do not understand.
3. Work through the document section by section. Try to define and comprehend all the words and phrases in a section. Realize that you may not understand a few technical terms. Reread the whole paper for comprehension, section by section.

Define Vocabulary

4. Use a biological or medical dictionary to look up simple phrases and words. Realize that a textbook of anatomy or physiology may give more complete explanations and that an ordinary shelf dictionary is not a good source. Know that the definitions in the ordinary shelf dictionary may not reflect the way in which scientists use a word or the definitions may not be precise enough.
5. Use the context in which it is used to get an understanding. Understand that the context of words used to describe procedures used in an experiment can provide understanding. Know that terms may be specific to the paper you are reading. Be careful when you think you understand a word from the context, because the word may not mean what you think.
6. Realize that you need to understand some words in depth and context.

Improve Comprehension

7. Notice how the context is set in the introduction. Look at the larger question the section is a part of. Understand that the author should paraphrase and elaborate on previous research. You should contrast previous research and the current study. Determine the hypothesis and the ways the hypothesis will be tested.
8. Try to get a clear picture of tests conducted at each step in the Methods section. Look at what was measured. Make a sketch and/or outline of the instruments and procedures. Takes notes of your questions. Understand that some questions may be simply technical. Realize that other questions may point to more basic concerns that you will use for criticism and reflection later.
9. Look carefully at the tables and figures, because tables are the essence of most papers. Understand that scientists often read the tables before they decide whether the rest of the article is worthy of their time. Know that understanding a figure means you can explain it in everyday language and redraw it.
10. Realize that the Discussion section contains the conclusions the author wants to draw from data. Know that this section has a lot of interpretation and is very important in most papers. Understand that the Discussion section is usually where the author reflects on his work and the meaning in relation to the field in general and other findings.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid worrying if you have a lot of words underlined on the vocabulary check because you are not yet trying to understand the article.