How to Read a Journal Article
Bill Knowlton1,2
1Department
of Materials Science & Engineering
2Department of Electrical Engineering
Boise State University
MSE 478/578 – Scientific Communication in MSE
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Results
Discussion
Anatomy Overview – Tying it all together
Hypothesis or Knowledge Gap
Supporting
Idea or
Finding 1
CT or
Sim
1
Supporting
Idea or
Finding 2
CT or
Sim
2
CT or
Sim
3
Introduction
Supporting
Idea or
Finding 3
CT or
Sim
4
CT or
Sim
5
CT = Characterization Technique
Sim = Simulation/calculations/modeling
Knowlton
2
Where to Begin
Title – examine the title to determine if there is
a fit to your research. If so…
Abstract – You know the structure of the
abstract, so most of the information is here.
Figures/Tables – Examine them for pertinent
data.
Are they similar to your work? i.e., did they scoop you?
Figure captions should provide additional information
How do the data relate to your work?
Can you find a knowledge gap in their data?
Go to RESULTS to find more about the figures if the
figure captions are lacking
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Require More Depth From Paper
Conclusion – similar to abstract BUT:
Provides a bit more information
Provides – Ramifications, Implications, Impact
End of Introduction –
States the knowledge gap
Brief overview/conclusion of the project
Introduction – provides a lit review for the
study
Discussion – the “guts” of the paper. It
Knowlton
should provide the intricate details and
how the data are tied/related together.
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