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Journal articles are usually written by experts and for experts. They can be very difficult to read, but they are often structured in a predictable way. When you recognize these sections and how they work, you can focus your attention on the sections that will help you understand and get the most meaning from the article.
In the sciences and social sciences most articles have these sections. Often they are clearly labeled, too. You won't read them in the order they are presented. Skip around and see if this method helps you understand the research being described.
| Section | Purpose | Order to read |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract |
One paragraph overview. Just a taste to familiarize the reader to the broad overview of the article.
|
First to determine relevance to your topic. |
| Introduction | Lays out the purpose for the article and the introduction of the issue. May also include past literature published on the topic, so useful for finding additional sources. | Second, to learn more about the purpose of the article |
| Methods | Tells the exact way the research was conducted in detail. |
Fifth--skim to understand the basics. What/who is the control group? How many subjects? What is done to them--survey, observation, test, etc.
|
| Results/Findings | The data is presented, table and graphs showing the results of the research. |
Sixth, but only if statistics can clarify what you read in the Discussion section. If you understand the Discussion section you only need the Results if you are going to replicate the research yourself.
|
| Discussion |
Often provides a more text-based analysis of the statistics from the Results/Findings section. Authors evaluate the effectiveness of the research.
|
Fourth |
| Conclusion |
What is the final conclusion? What flaws, if any, were found in the research? Did this research discover something new?
|
Third. Yes, jump to the end and read the conclusion early on! |
| Bibliography | List of sources used to support this research. | As needed for finding additional sources. |
Based on information from City College of Chicago, Harold Washington Library
Journal articles are written by experts and for experts. They can be challenging for non-experts to read because of the vocabulary used and the background knowledge that the writer assumes the reader knows. Here are some tips to help you "crack the code" so that you can join the scholarly conversation.
Articles in the humanities (art, music, literature, history) do not generally follow the same article structure that is found in more scientific journals. These articles are written more like essays and should be read in the order presented The writers are more likely to do their research individually by reading widely and engaging different ideas and concepts. There are usually no tests and measurements and little in the way of data.
| Section | Description | Order to be read |
| Abstract | A short overview of the article to give the researcher an indication if it will be useful. May be absent as a separately labeled section and covered in the first paragraph instead. | First, to see if this article is relevant to your research. |
| Introduction | Probably not labeled as such, but the first several paragraphs of the article. Describes the problem or issue the research is investigating. May include a review of previous research. May be difficult to detect where the introduction ends and the real content of the article begins. | Second, to see how the argument develops. |
| Conclusion | Last several paragraphs of the article. The researcher writes about the implications of the research. Could anything change as a result of this research? What else is left to investigate? How does this research change the body of knowledge in this subject area--or does it? | Third, because the implications of the research may be discussed throughout the length of the article. |
|
Endnotes, footnotes Bibliography |
Consult endnotes or footnotes as they are presented. These could help you understand more about what you are reading. Don't skip them just because it isn't convenient to flip back and forth! It's important. Consult bibliography as needed. Useful for finding additional sources to incorporate into your own research. |
As needed, and as the reader is referred to them in the text of the article. Could provide useful clarifications to the reader. |
Based on information from the City Colleges of Chicago, Harold Washington Library
1, Look up words and concepts you don't know. The BVU LIbrary has many dictionaries and encyclopedias available, or you can check this online reference resource.
2. Expect that you'll need to read the article more than once and budget your time accordingly.
These experts study their field for years. It is probably going to take more than a quick skim-through for a college student to figure out the meaning and importance of this research.
3. Summarize as you read.
At the end of each paragraph do a comprehension check with yourself and/or jot down a summary. How could you summarize what you just read in your own words? If the reader continues to be confused, it may be time to find another source.
4. Ask yourself, what's missing?
This is a more advanced skill, but think about what the writer is NOT telling you. Do you have questions that are not addressed? Do you detect flaws or absences in the research?
5. Finally, think about research as a conversation.
You are trying to figure out what the experts are talking about so that you can participate in the conversation. This whole assignment is designed for you to become a knowledge producer, not just a consumer. Your viewpoint is equally valid to that of the "experts," but you need to use existing research to support it.
Need help? Email library@bvu.edu or chat with a BVU Librarian.
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