Reading A Scientific Article PDF

Universit y of Zakho Reading a Scientific article (Paper) Scientific Debate Asst. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Naqid PhD Molecular Microbiology and Immunology College of Medicine/ University of Zakho https://staffportal.uoz.edu....

Universit y of Zakho Reading a Scientific article (Paper) Scientific Debate Asst. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Naqid PhD Molecular Microbiology and Immunology College of Medicine/ University of Zakho https://staffportal.uoz.edu.krd/en/ibrahimnaqid  Key Topics What is scientific papers? Types of scientific papers Organization of a paper Actions to take – to properly read a paper Difficulties in reading scientific papers  What is a scientific paper? Scientific papers are for sharing your own original research work with other scientists or for reviewing the research conducted by others Loading… Written and published report describing the original research results  Types of Scientific Papers: 1. Original article: Information based on original research 2. Case report: Usually of a single case 3. Technical notes: Describe a specific technique or procedure 4. Pictorial essay: Teaching article with images 5. Review: Detailed analysis of recent research on a specific topic 6. Commentary: Short article with author’s personal opinions 7. Editorial: Often short review or analysis of original articles 8. Letter to the Editor: Short & on subject of interest to readers  Organization of a Paper Title of paper Abstract Introduction Methods Results Loading… Discussion/Conclusions Acknowledgements References  Organization of a Paper Note: Most scientific journals follow the format of the Structured Abstract. Occasionally, the Results and Discussion are combined – when the data need extensive discussion to allow the reader to follow the train of logic of the research.  Title of paper A good title should be short and accurate It should make the central objectives of the study clear to the reader It is important to specify what population will be investigated, and where it will be conducted. Abstract: A summary (~ 150-200 words) of the problem, the method, the results and the conclusions; the reader can decide whether or not to read the whole article Introduction: Clearly states the problem being investigated & reasons for the research; summarizes relevant research to provide context; identifies the questions being answered; briefly describes the experiment, hypothesis(es), research question(s) & general experimental design or method Methods: Provides the reader enough details so they can understand and replicate the research; explains how the problem was studied; identifies the procedures followed; explains new methodology in detail, what types of data were recorded, etc. Results: Presents the findings, and explains what was found; shows how the new results are contributing to the body of scientific knowledge; follows a logical sequence based on the tables and figures presenting the findings to answer the question or hypothesis(es) Discussion/Conclusions: Describes what the results mean regarding what was already known about the subject; indicates how the results relate to expectations and to the literature previously cited; explains how the research has moved the body of scientific knowledge forward; outlines the next steps for further study Acknowledgements: Recognize various contributions of other workers References: The sources of previously published work; includes information not from the experiment and not ‘common knowledge’  Actions to Take Skim the article without taking notes: Read the abstract; it will tell you the major findings of the article and why they matter Loading… Read first for the ‘big picture’ 11  Re-read the article more carefully especially the ‘methods’ and ‘results/conclusions’ sections: Carefully examine the graphs, tables, and diagrams Try to interpret the data first before reading the captions and details Make sure you understand the article fully 12  Ask yourself questions about the study, such as: What problems does the study address? Why is it important? Is the method good? Are the findings supported by evidence? Are they unique and supported by other work in the field? 13  Is the study repeatable? What was the sample size? Is this representative of the larger population? What variables were held constant? Was there a control? What factors might affect the outcome? 14  Write a ‘summary’ of the article Describe the article in your own words Note the ‘key points’ - purpose of the study/questions asked, assumptions, major findings & conclusions, questions unanswered & any surprises 15  Distinguish main points: Document level: in title, abstract and keywords Paragraph level: look for words/phrases like unexpected, in contrast to previous work, hypothesize that, propose, introduce, data suggests  16 Take notes as you read: This improves recall and comprehension; you may think you’ll remember everything but details will slip away Develop a template for recording notes on articles Can use the structured abstract format (abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion & conclusions)  Difficulties in Reading Papers Papers can be poorly written: Some scientists are poor writers & others do not enjoy writing Bad writing has consequences for the reader: Logical connections are often left out - instead of saying why an experiment was done, or what ideas were being tested, the experiment is simply ‘described  The reader cannot easily understand what the experiment was: The descriptions are not well-written and it is unclear what was done Authors are uncritical about their experiments: Authors do not clearly distinguish between fact and speculation especially in the Discussion/Conclusions Any Question