Downloaded 59 times
Uploaded byHaitham El-Ghareeb
Research Methodologies - Lecture 02
The document discusses how to effectively read scientific papers. It outlines the typical structure of papers, which usually includes an abstract/summary, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and references sections. The introduction section presents background information on the topic and states the hypothesis being tested. The materials and methods section should provide enough detail for others to replicate the study. Readers may need to refer back to this section while analyzing the results. Taking notes while reading helps retain information and allows breaks between sections.
More Related Content
![Sample chapters [data structure and algorithmic thinking with python]](https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/samplechaptersdatastructureandalgorithmicthinkingwithpython-150401104825-conversion-gate01-thumbnail.jpg?width=640&height=640&fit=bounds)
Similar to Research Methodologies - Lecture 02
Research Methodologies - Lecture 02
- 1. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University How to Read a Scientific Paper How to Read a Scientific Paper Dr. Mohammed Elmogy Mansoura University Faculty of Computers & Information Sciences Department of Information Systems elmogy@gmail.com 11. October 2011 How to Read a Scientific Paper 1
- 2. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 2
- 3. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University The Typical Anatomy of a Paper How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 3
- 4. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University The Typical Anatomy of a Paper How to Read a Scientific Paper The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Title and authors Abstract/summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References Figures/Tables How to Read a Scientific Paper 4
- 5. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University How to Read a Scientific Paper Title and Authors Title is very descriptive (often states the main finding) and is not about being creative and catchy! Order of authors is important. What can you tell from it? Many PIs simply refer to work from other PIs’labs ... so as you keep a catalogue in your mind – DO associate work with lab. How to Read a Scientific Paper 5
- 6. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Abstract/Summary How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 6
- 7. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Abstract/Summary How to Read a Scientific Paper Abstract/Summary Purpose for the study. Major findings of the study. Relationship between these findings and the field. How to Read a Scientific Paper 7
- 8. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Introduction How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 8
- 9. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Introduction How to Read a Scientific Paper Introduction Presents the background information for a fellow scientist (possibly in another field) to understand why the findings of this paper are significant. Structure is usually: Accepted state of knowledge in the field. Focus on a particular aspect of the field, often the set(s) of data that led directly to the work of this paper. Hypothesis being tested. Conclusions (scientists don’t really like surprise endings!). How to Read a Scientific Paper 9
- 10. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Introduction How to Read a Scientific Paper How to Approach the Introduction Grab a blank piece of paper: Take notes. Draw mini figures. Define vocabulary (wikipedia is a quick reference). Answer these questions: What data led directly to the work of this paper? What is the hypothesis being tested? What are the basic conclusions? (Scientists don’t really like surprise endings and this is usually stated in the last paragraph.) How to Read a Scientific Paper 10
- 11. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Introduction How to Read a Scientific Paper Introduction (cont.) Notes Notes allow you to take a break (hours to days) and come back to your thoughts ... you won’t have to re-read the parts you completed. How to Read a Scientific Paper 11
- 12. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Materials and Methods How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 12
- 13. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Materials and Methods How to Read a Scientific Paper Materials and Methods Should be detailed enough for another scientist to replicate the work (volumes, times, company material was purchased from etc.) In reality, often compressed and you may need to look up another paper that is referenced for more detail. How to Read a Scientific Paper 13
- 14. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Materials and Methods How to Read a Scientific Paper Materials and Methods (cont.) Should you read the materials and methods? Often you can skim over them before the results. However, when you get to the results, you will need to flip back to them often to clarify how experiment was done. Sample number? (Did they do this more than once?) Conditions? (Am I looking at a reduced or non-reduced protein gel?) How to Read a Scientific Paper 14
- 15. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Results How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 15
- 16. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Results How to Read a Scientific Paper Results While the introduction poses the questions being asked, the results describes the outcome of the experiments that were done to answer the questions. Results are often simply stated with interpretation of them coming later in the discussion. Figures and tables allow the reader to see the outcomes of the experiments for themselves! How to Read a Scientific Paper 16
- 17. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Results How to Read a Scientific Paper Results (cont.) How to read the results Read the text straight through, but as a figure is referred to, examine the figure. Take notes, giving yourself a place to refer to about each figure. With each experiment/figure you should be able to explain. the basic procedure. the question it sought to answer. the results. the conclusion. criticisms. How to Read a Scientific Paper 17
- 18. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Discussion How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 18
- 19. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Discussion How to Read a Scientific Paper Discussion Data is analyzed to show what the authors believe the data show. (You don’t have to agree with their interpretations!) Findings are related to other findings in the field (contribute to knowledge, correct errors, etc.)– How is this work significant? How to Read a Scientific Paper 19
- 20. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Discussion How to Read a Scientific Paper Discussion (cont.) How to Read a Discussion Take notes and answer these questions: What conclusions do the authors draw? Be sure to separate fact from their opinion/interpretation? Describe for yourself why these data significant. (Does it contribute to knowledge or correct errors?) How to Read a Scientific Paper 20
- 21. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Reflections and Criticisms How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 21
- 22. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Reflections and Criticisms How to Read a Scientific Paper Reflections and Criticisms Do you agree with the authors’ rationale for setting up the experiments as they did? Did they perform the experiments appropriately? (Repeated a number of times, used correct control groups, used appropriate measurements etc) Were there enough experiments to support the one major finding they are claiming? How to Read a Scientific Paper 22
- 23. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Reflections and Criticisms How to Read a Scientific Paper Reflections and Criticisms (cont.) Do you see patterns/trends in their data that are problems that were not mentioned? Do you agree with the authors’ conclusions from these data? Are they over-generalized or too grand? Or are there other factors that they neglect that could have accounted for their data? What further questions do you have? What might you suggest they do next? How to Read a Scientific Paper 23
- 24. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper Outline The Typical Anatomy of a Paper Abstract/Summary Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Reflections and Criticisms Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper 24
- 25. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper Tips for Success Spend a lot of time on each paper NOW look up every detail that you are unsure of. (Time you invest now will payoff in the long run). Discovering the answers for yourself is one of the best ways to learn and have the information be retained. Imagine yourself teaching the paper or figures to classmates—teaching something to others is also another great way to learn. How to Read a Scientific Paper 25
- 26. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper Tips for Success (cont.) Start a database of procedures that you take the time to look up and teach to yourself. What are some of the common procedures that are used in various papers? (e.g. western, immunoblots, RT-PCR, apoptosis assays, yeast two hybrids, etc.) IWatch others in your lab experiences and find out what they are doing. . . you may never get the opportunity to do RT-PCR, but the more you understand the procedure, the more critical you can be of data you need to interpret. How to Read a Scientific Paper 26
- 27. CIS Faculty Department of Information Systems Mansoura University Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper Tips for Success (cont.) Read papers when you are awake and interested in reading. If you are going to break up a paper and read it over several days be sure to summarize before continuing each day. If you are already in the field you plan to stay in, consider starting a database on papers that relate to your lab/project. You will want to be able to impress your P.I. with your quick analysis and summary of a monumental paper from another lab! How to Read a Scientific Paper 27