What should I look for in a scientific article?
Step-by-Step Instructions for Reading a Primary Research Article
- Begin by reading the introduction, not the abstract.
- Identify the big question.
- Summarize the background in five sentences or less.
- Identify the specific question(s).
- Identify the approach.
- Read the methods section.
- Read the results section.
What does bias mean in science?
In common terms, bias is a preference for or against one idea, thing or person. In scientific research, bias is a systematic deviation between observations or interpretations of data and an accurate description of a phenomenon.
What is the author’s bias?
A person can be biased against something or have a bias for something. An author’s bias is any opinion or prejudice that affects that author’s writing and prevents the author from being completely neutral about the topic or issue about which s/he is writing.
How do you identify bias in a research article?
If you notice the following, the source may be biased:
- Heavily opinionated or one-sided.
- Relies on unsupported or unsubstantiated claims.
- Presents highly selected facts that lean to a certain outcome.
- Pretends to present facts, but offers only opinion.
- Uses extreme or inappropriate language.
What is the fastest way to read a scholarly article?
How to read a scientific paper quickly & efficiently
- Skim the abstract. Skimming the abstract first will allow you to get somewhat familiar with the topic at hand.
- Read the conclusion.
- After the conclusion, read the results.
- Read the methods section.
- Start this process over again with a different paper.
How do you identify an author’s bias?
Be on the lookout for one-sided arguments – if the author only presents one side of an argument, his/her writing is probably biased. Does the author present facts or opinions? Facts are what they are – the truth. But opinions can be based on feelings, emotions, or prejudices, which aren’t objective.
How do you read a scholarly article?
Consider the following points when reading a scholarly article:
- Know your research question or argument.
- You don’t have to read the entire article in order.
- Read critically.
- Read the reference section.
- Take notes.
How long does it take to read a 20 page paper?
about 33.3 minutes
Answer: 20 pages will take about 33.3 minutes to read for the average reader.