Reading Research Papers: Strategies to do it Effectively

Reading research literature can be challenging for students or early career researchers

In academia, you are often expected to read research papers quickly and carefully, either as part of your research or to review them. In fact, a study finds that researchers are expected to spend 23% of their total work time reading research publications.¹ In 2012, scientists in the US read, on average, 22 scholarly articles per month (or 264 per year).²

The academic language used in research papers is concise, precise, and authoritative, and a readers’ familiarity with the scientific field often shapes their perceptions and understanding of the literature. Researchers, especially students, may need help learning academic vocabulary and processing academic language in their journey toward becoming independent learners of science. A study on research reading habits reported that the vast majority of students are researchers engaging with primary literature from at least one source.³ While intrinsically motivated senior researchers quickly read multiple research papers per day, sophomores rarely engage in reading scientific journals, probably due to the difficulty in understanding. And it’s not just students or early career researchers; even experienced researchers exploring interdisciplinary literature may find reading and understanding unfamiliar scientific language challenging. A lack of prior knowledge, and possibly low self-confidence, highlights a need for intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to develop research paper reading habits and strategies to efficiently process scientific literature.

Researchers at different career stages read papers for various purposes

Students and researchers agree that knowing how to read a research paper effectively is important for scientific development. However, how they engage with scientific literature and their reading strategies differ depending on their position. The transition from learner to proficient reader spans multiple career stages over an extended period. Undergraduates read scientific works as part of their assignment or to broaden their knowledge and prioritize reading the abstract and discussion sections. They are more likely to take author statements in the discussion section at face value than interpret primary results. This is because they often lack critical reading abilities, undervaluing the importance of the results section or critical data interpretation. In contrast, experienced researchers are more confident in their reading abilities. Their research paper reading strategy involves understanding the research methods and critically evaluating the data. On the other hand, undergraduates and early career researchers find the method and result sections the most challenging. PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers’ engagement with the scientific text lies between these two groups. Thus, students’ research paper reading strategy is usually a narrative-centric approach, drawing their understanding from the author’s descriptions. In contrast, experienced researchers employ data-centric strategies, critically evaluating the data provided.⁴

Strategies for reading academic articles

 Once a student learns how to read scientific papers effectively, they can grow the spirit of scientific inquiry. For this, they need to read critically, evaluating the meaning, aim, and content of a work. There are strategies to help inexperienced readers develop the critical reading and thinking skills required for efficiently reading research papers.

One great approach is the Watson Glaser RED model of critical thinking based on Recognizing assumptions, Evaluating arguments, and Drawing inferences, interpretations, and deductions.⁵ Another example is the CREATE method, which structures reading as Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypothesis, Analyze and interpret data, and Think of the next Experiment.³ This method adopts a reading strategy used by experienced researchers to identify gaps in the existing literature and develop new ideas or concepts for future research.

Selective approach to scientific reading: How to read a research paper effectively

The development of reading skills is influenced by a change from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation for reading, which, in turn, is influenced by the increased familiarity with scientific work, terminology, and prior knowledge. The following tips can help students and early career researchers hone research paper reading skills exhibited by more experienced researchers.

• Read research papers efficiently by focusing on a specific purpose or question and the target audience.
  • Find something that encourages or holds your interests, even if it bothers or confuses you, and use this to drive your analysis.
  • Underline words, sentences, and passages that address your specific purpose.
• Read to understand. This may require multiple readings spanning hours without distractions.
  • Use specific sections to determine if the entire paper is worth reading.
  • Start with the abstract, then move on to figures, introduction, and discussions. Focusing on these key sections can help you read a research paper quickly.
• Look for connections between texts.
  • A good research paper reading strategy involves reading the text several times, taking notes, asking questions, and underlining key information.
• Respond critically⁶ using a research paper reading strategy, including applying your personal experiences and existing knowledge to the reading process.
• Connect Reading with your Writing
  • Interpret and reflect upon what you read by writing about it and discussing it with others. Research articles are always open to questioning and are differently interpreted based on researcher ideology.
• Seek similar and recent articles related to the topic.
  • A good research paper reading habit involves seeking out other texts and sources, which would give the research question a global perspective, and people who can help you in your research and learning.

Those were some tips for reading academic articles in an efficient manner. Following these steps should guide you in developing a systemic strategy for reading research papers and help you progress in your research career.

References

1. Phillips, L. M., & Norris, S. P. Bridging the gap between the language of science and the language of school science through the use of adapted primary literature. Res Sci Educ. 39, 313-319 (2009)
2. Van Noorden, R. Scientists may be reaching a peak in reading habits. Nature, 15-17 (2014).
3. Hubbard, K. E., & Dunbar, S. D. Perceptions of scientific research literature and strategies for reading papers depend on academic career stage. PloS One12, e0189753 (2017).
4. Hubbard, K. E., Dunbar, S. D., Peasland, E. L., Poon, J., & Solly, J. E. How do readers at different career stages approach reading a scientific research paper? A case study in the biological sciences. Int J Sci Educ B, 1-17 (2022).
5. Wulandari, R., & Hindrayani, A. Measuring Critical Thinking Skills with the RED Model. In J Phys 1808, 012030 (IOP Publishing, 2021).
6. Van, L. H., Li, C. S., & Wan, R. Critical reading in higher education: A systematic review. Think Skills Create. 44 (2022).