Consider- Start by reading the introduction. Consider how the different concepts in the introduction are related. Create a concept map.
Read- Next read the methods and results sections, including all graphs and figures in those sections. Annotate and re-title figures to make the information clear to you and draw pictures of the methods indicating how the study was actually conducted.
Elucidate the Hypothesis for Each Experiment- Write down what research question each experiment is trying to answer.
Analyze and Interpret the Data- What does the data mean? Read the discussion section of the paper and draw your own conclusions. A worksheet template like this one or this one may help.
Think of the Next Experiment- Identify any questions you have about the paper. What follow-up research would you want to see?
Synthesize the Entire Paper- How do all the pieces fit together? What's the scientific narrative of the paper?
Adapted from Teaching Journal Articles, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Yale University
From WI+RE at UCLA
