Ann McNeal, of the School of Natural Science at Hampshire College has written a one-page guide on a simple four-step process to read and comprehend a scientific research paper.
While scientific research may be a bit harder to decipher than other fields, this is a good study guide for comprehending most any research paper (or other reading for that matter). McNeal's basic plan includes each of these steps: skimming, vocabulary, comprehension, and reflection/criticism. She also offers questions that assist in finding the core of the researcher's paper. Questions include:
What is the overall purpose of the research?
How does the research fit into the context of its field? Is it, for example, attempting to settle a controversy? show the validity of a new technique? open up a new field of inquiry?
Do you agree with the author's rationale for studying the question in this way?
This is a good tool, not only for reading a research paper, but for writing one as well. Since we're getting near the end of the semester and papers are due...why not give this study guide a good look?
How To Read A Scientific Research Paper
[Hat tip: Lifehacker]
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