Read strategically:
If you need... |
Then read here: |
| Big picture -- the "so what?" of the research |
Abstract Discussion or Conclusion |
| Specific research question -- what are they trying to answer? |
Introduction Hypothesis (if stated) |
| Theoretical background |
Introduction Literature Review |
| How they carried out the research |
Methodology Results |
| Who participated in the research |
Methodology Participants |
| Data, numbers, formulas used |
Results |
| Further directions for your research |
Discussion Conclusion Limitations |
| How this author developed their ideas |
Literature Review References list |
The exact labels used for sections in different articles might vary. But the labels in the second column above should give you a general idea of what sections to look for.
See the document below for more guidance on how to read a scholarly article.