Sage-Tips

How do you effectively read a research paper?

How to Read a Scientific Paper Efficiently

1. Step 1: Read the Abstract. The abstract will give you an overview of the key points of the paper.
2. Step 2: Skip the Introduction.
3. Step 3: Scan the Methods.
4. Step 4: Focus on the Figures.
5. Step 5: Tackle the discussion.
6. Step 6: File it Away.

Should you take notes while doing readings?

Taking notes is proven to help with memory retention, and if you write excellent notes, it means you have a great reference to go back to when you forget something. Most of all, scribbling notes while we read turns our passive reading into active reading, helping us focus on the topic at hand.

How long should it take to read a research paper?

Do plan to spend anywhere from 3–6 hours to really digest a paper, remember they are very dense! Be ready and willing to make several passes through the paper, each time looking to extract different information and understanding. And please, do yourself a favor and do not read the paper front to end on your first pass.

How can I take notes while reading online?

Helpful tips

1. Write notes in your own words instead of copying down information from the book.
2. Avoid over-highlighting.
3. Wait until the end of a page to take notes so that you can better focus on what you are reading and so that you can try to summarize in your own words rather than copy.

How do you summarize a research paper?

How to write a summary

1. When to summarize.
2. Read the text.
3. Break the text down into sections.
4. Identify the key points in each section.
5. Write the summary.
6. Check the summary against the article.
7. Frequently asked questions about summarizing.

How can I read a research paper for free?

The Top 21 Free Online Journal and Research Databases

1. CORE. CORE is a multidisciplinary aggregator of open access research.
2. ScienceOpen.
3. Directory of Open Access Journals.
4. Education Resources Information Center.
5. arXiv e-Print Archive.
6. Social Science Research Network.
7. Public Library of Science.
8. OpenDOAR.

Is note-taking a waste of time?

For most people, no, it is not a waste of time. Among other things, if you are talking about taking notes during a lecture, you are already in the lecture. You might as well be taking notes as not. It can keep your mind from wandering, or at least from wandering quite so much.