BIOL 3540L: Animal Behavior (labs)

Resources on how to read Journal Articles

Tips on "Reading" journal articles

Attempting to read a scientific or scholarly research article for the first time may seem overwhelming and confusing.

You should not approach a scientific article like a textbook— reading from beginning to end. Rather, understand where you need to focus your energy to fulfill the reason you are reading the article.

Ask yourself: Why am I reading this paper?

You don't have to limit yourself to one pathway.  I often start with getting the big picture to evaluate if I want to dig deeper.

🔹 I only need the gist / big picture

• Read title + abstract

• Look at figures/tables + captions

• Skim the conclusion/discussion
  (~5–10 min)

🔹 I need to understand the study’s claims

• Start with abstract

• Read introduction for context

• Examine figures + results closely

• Finish with discussion/conclusion
  (~20–30 min)

🔹 I need to evaluate methods / possibly replicate

• Skim abstract + intro (to frame the research question)

• Read methods carefully (design, participants, analysis)

• Cross-check with results to see what was measured

• Note gaps or missing details
  (~30–60 min)

🔹 I need to cite or use this paper in my own research

• Abstract → figures/results → intro → discussion

• Take notes in your own words

• Save citation + key quotes in Zotero/EndNote

• Check references cited for related sources
  (~20–40 min)

🔹 I need to critically analyze or review for class/journal

• Read every section carefully

• Write down: research question, methods, findings, limitations, significance

• Evaluate: Do the claims match the data? Any biases?

• Compare with other literature in the field
  (~1–2 hours)