Reading journal articles

Reading academic journal articles is a critical skill for university students, but it can be challenging, especially when you're new to a field or subject. This guide will provide you with strategies and tips to help you read journal articles more effectively and efficiently.

In addition to reading journal articles effectively, it's crucial to evaluate their quality and relevance.

Assessing an article's relevance before reading

Before diving into a journal article, it's important to quickly assess whether it's relevant to your research question or topic. This can save you time and help you focus on the most pertinent sources.

Tips for evaluating an article's relevance before reading:

Read the title and abstract: The title and abstract provide a concise overview of the article's main focus and findings. Look for keywords related to your research question or topic.
Skim the introduction and conclusion: The introduction sets the context and objectives of the study, while the conclusion summarizes the main findings and implications. Reading these sections can give you a better sense of the article's scope and relevance.
Look at the section headings: The section headings outline the structure and main points of the article. They can help you quickly identify if the article covers aspects relevant to your research.
Check the publication date: Consider whether the article is recent enough to include up-to-date information and insights on your topic. The relevance of the publication date may vary depending on your field of study.
Consider the journal and authors: The journal's focus and the authors' expertise can provide clues about the article's relevance. Articles published in reputable journals specific to your field are more likely to be relevant.

If an article seems promising based on these initial assessments, proceed to read it more thoroughly using the strategies outlined in this guide. However, if an article doesn't appear to be directly relevant to your research, feel free to set it aside and move on to other sources.

For more detailed guidance on evaluating the quality and credibility of journal articles, please refer to our guide on Critically Evaluating Journal Articles.

Understanding the structure of a journal article

Most journal articles follow a standard structure, which typically includes the following sections:

Abstract: A brief summary of the research, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
Introduction: Provides background information, context, and the purpose of the study.
Methods: Describes how the research was conducted, including the data collection and analysis techniques used.
Results: Presents the findings of the study, often using tables, graphs, and statistical analysis.
Discussion: Interprets the results, discusses the implications, and places the findings in the context of existing research.
Conclusion: Summarizes the main points and highlights the significance of the research.

Understanding this structure can help you navigate the article and locate the information you need more easily.

Elements of a journal article

Strategies for reading journal articles effectively

Preview the article: Start by reading the title, abstract, introduction, and conclusion to get an overview of the research and its main points.
Read actively: Engage with the text by asking questions, making notes, and summarizing key points in your own words. See our Study Skills guides for more tips on how to read any academic text effectively.
Look up unfamiliar terms and concepts: Don't get bogged down by jargon or technical language. Use dictionaries, textbooks, or online resources to build your background knowledge.
Focus on the main arguments and evidence: Identify the central claims the authors are making and assess the evidence they provide to support these claims.
Take effective notes: Develop a system for taking notes that allows you to capture key information, ideas, and questions. Effective note-taking can help you better understand and retain the content of journal articles. Consider using a structured format, organizing information, and tailoring your notes to your specific goals. See our Study Skills guides for more tips on effective note taking.

Reading journal articles critically

To get the most out of journal articles, it's essential to read them critically. This involves actively engaging with the text, asking questions, and assessing the quality and significance of the research. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to read journal articles critically:

Introduction:
- Pay attention to the research questions, hypotheses, and objectives stated in the introduction, as they provide a roadmap for the rest of the article.
- Consider: what are the main research questions or hypotheses?
Methods:
- Focus on the study design, sample size, data collection techniques, and analysis methods used. This information will help you assess the validity and reliability of the results.
- Consider: are the methods appropriate and clearly described?
Results:
- Identify the key findings and consider how they relate to the research questions or hypotheses. Pay attention to any tables, graphs, or figures that present the data.
- Consider: are the results presented clearly and accurately?
Discussion and Conclusion:
- Note how the authors interpret their findings, discuss the implications of the research, and compare their results to previous studies. Also, look for any limitations or potential biases that the authors acknowledge.
- Consider: do the conclusions follow logically from the evidence presented? What are the limitations of the study, and do the authors acknowledge them? How does this research fit into the broader context of the field?

As you read journal articles critically, take notes using a structured format that allows you to easily identify key information, such as the main findings, methods, and conclusions. Capture any questions, critiques, or ideas for further research that come to mind.

For more general note-taking strategies, refer to our Study Skills guide on note-taking.

For more general active reading strategies, please refer to Study Skills guide on academic reading. As you read journal articles critically, also consider the criteria for evaluating their quality and significance. Our guide on Evaluating Journal Articles provides further guidance on assessing the credibility and relevance of academic sources.

Tips for dealing with particularly difficult or dense articles

Using GenAI tools to assist with reading journal articles

Conclusion

Reading journal articles effectively is a skill that takes practice and persistence to develop. By understanding the structure of journal articles, employing active reading strategies, and reading critically, you'll be better equipped to engage with and learn from the academic literature in your field.

In addition to reading journal articles effectively, it's important to evaluate their quality and relevance. Our guide on Evaluating Journal Articles can help you assess the credibility and significance of the sources you encounter.

Not feeling confident yet?

Don’t worry! Email library@abertay.ac.uk. We are here to help!

Last modified 3 months ago by Library Services

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