How to Read Research Article

Q: Why should I start to read research articles as an undergraduate student?

Reading research articles would be an absolute win for you:

1. Follow Your Passion: Imagine a book club, but instead of the latest fantasy novel, you're diving into the newest discoveries about the universe, the human body, or the coolest tech! If that sounds exciting, then this webpage is your place to be.

2. Supercharge Your Brain: Do you enjoy solving puzzles or tackling brain-teasers? Reading articles is like leveling up your brain's problem-solving abilities. You'll learn how to question and analyze complex ideas, making you a total pro in critical thinking! Although critical thinking is ultimate important; however, in my view, critical thinking does not mean you have to think differently.

3. Communication Level Up: You get to talk about mind-blowing scientific concepts, honing your skills to explain complex stuff in a way that even your little sibling could understand!

4. Peek Behind the Curtain: Ever wondered how scientists make groundbreaking discoveries? Well, having a VIP backstage pass to the world of science. It gives you a taste of what it's like to be a part of those groundbreaking studies and maybe even spark a career interest!

5. Impress Colleges: Reading articles gives you an edge when applying for college, intern, job position, or graduate school. It's like saying, "Hey, I love learning so much, I do it even in my spare time to understand the field and your business model!" Plus, it shows you can handle serious academic work. 

6. Make Friends: Discussion of latest research is an awesome place to meet fellow science-lovers. You'll get to chat, debate, and learn with students who are as excited about these topics as you are. Who knows, you might meet your future lab partner, co-inventor, or bestie!

So, gear up for an adventure into the world of real-life science. Who knows what fascinating discoveries are waiting for you in the future?

Link to On the Origin of Species

https://www.vliz.be/docs/Zeecijfers/Origin_of_Species.pdf

Link to Gregor Mendel’s paper (of course, it is a translated version):

https://cs.brown.edu/people/rblumber/MendelWeb/archive/Mendel.Experiments.html

https://academic.oup.com/genetics/article/204/2/407/6072056

Link to THE Watson Crick paper:

https://www.mskcc.org/teaser/1953-nature-papers-watson-crick-wilkins-franklin.pdf

Q: Any additional reasons that I should start to read research articles now?

Reading research articles could be a game changer, and here’s why:

1. Unlock the Adventure of Discovery: Research articles are like the behind-the-scenes footage of your favorite movie. They show you the real process of science – the excitement, the struggles, and the triumphs. It's way more than just memorizing facts from a textbook. You get to see where those facts come from and how scientists sometimes even change their minds!

2. Level Up Your Brain Game: Reading research articles isn't just about taking in new facts—it's like a mental workout. You'll be questioning everything: Why did the researchers do it this way? Do the results really support the conclusions? It's a fantastic way to boost your critical thinking skills.

3. Stay Ahead of the Curve: Ever wanted to know about the latest discoveries before they make it into textbooks? Research articles let you do just that. You'll be learning about the newest findings, sometimes even before your teachers do!

4. Prepare for the Future: Thinking about a career in science? Reading research articles now can give you a head start. It's a great way to get comfortable with the language and style of scientific communication. Plus, it could give you cool topics to talk about in your college application essays or interviews!

5. Become a Part of the Conversation: Science isn't just for scientists—it's for everyone. By reading research articles, you're joining a global conversation about understanding the universe. Your insights and questions matter. Who knows, you might be the one to make the next big discovery!

So always have faith in your abilities? Then why wait, grab a research article and dive in. It's a bit challenging, but remember, every scientist, even Einstein and Newton, had to start somewhere. Why not start now?

Q: Where can I find the research articles that cover my favorite research area, like ecology and/or evolution?

To find research articles that cover a specific research area, you can use various scholarly databases and digital libraries. Take out your laptop/desktop/ipad/phone and some of the most prominent ones include:

1. Google Scholar: This is a free and simple-to-use tool for finding scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources. You can find articles, theses, books, abstracts, and court opinions from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities, and other websites.

2. PubMed: Operated by the US National Library of Medicine, PubMed comprises more than 30 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. It's an excellent resource if you're looking for articles in the field of biomedicine.

3. Web of Science®: A resourceful tool for scientific literature, offering comprehensive citation data for a multitude of academic disciplines.

In our talks, I will cover all these three databases and compare them with pros and cons. Remember that access to some of these resources might require a subscription (e.g., Web of Science®). You might also find free versions of articles using resources like "Open Access Button", or by visiting the website of the researchers or their institutions. You may also consider contacting the corresponding authors for a copy of their publications.

Finally, when searching, use specific keywords that match your research interest. This will help you find the most relevant articles. It's often helpful to start with a broad search and then narrow down your search based on the results you get. We will cover this in our talks.

Q: What is the general structure of a research article?

Here's how it usually looks:

1. Title: It's like the headline of a news story - it gives you a hint of what the whole fuss is about.

2. Abstract: Think of this as the movie trailer. It's a bite-sized version of the whole story, revealing the highlights without giving everything away.

3. Introduction: This is where the plot thickens! The authors tell us why they started this whole investigation - what question they're trying to answer, why it's important, and what other people have found out about it so far.

4. Methods: This is the "how" of the story. If the research was a cooking show, this would be the recipe part. It tells you what ingredients (tools, equipment, people, or data) they used and the steps they followed.

5. Results: The big reveal! After all that hard work, what did they find? This is usually a mix of charts, graphs, and text explaining what the data is saying.

6. Discussion: This is where the authors tell us what they think about the results. Did they solve the mystery? Did they find something they didn't expect? How does this change what we thought we knew?

7. Conclusion: The wrap-up of the story. It's a recap of their journey, the major discoveries, and what new mysteries their work might have uncovered.

8. References: This is like the "special thanks to" section in movie credits. It's a list of all the other detective reports (articles, books, etc.) they used in their work.

Just like a detective's report would be checked by their boss, a research article is checked by other scientists (a process called "peer review") before it gets published. This makes sure that the research is solid, and the results are reliable. Reading a research article is like getting a behind-the-scenes tour of how knowledge is built, one study at a time!

Q: Why should scientists must obey the structure format to publish their results ?

I have to admit that it takes time to follow these formats. There are a few reasons for doing this:

1. Get Organized, Make Sense: You know how your backpack is way easier to deal with when everything's in its proper place? That's exactly why research articles have a specific format. It helps researchers pack their ideas neatly so that readers can find and understand them easily.

2. Clear and Snappy: You wouldn't want to read a text message that's pages long, right? Same goes for research articles. A standard format helps authors get straight to the point, making it way easier for you to get the gist of it.

3. Play by the Rules: Just like soccer or basketball, publishing research has its own rulebook. Journals have set formats to ensure that all submissions look consistent and are easy to review. If you're playing the game, you've got to follow the rules!

4. Recipe Swap: Imagine trying to recreate your grandma's secret recipe without any instructions - that's why formats include a 'Methods' section. It allows other researchers to follow the same recipe and check if they get the same delicious results.

5. Tell a Complete Story: Formats make sure that authors cover all the important parts of their research journey - the main question, the methods they used, what they found, and what it all means. Kinda like writing a good essay for your English class!

6. Look Professional, Be Credible: You wouldn't wear pajamas to a job interview, right? The same thing goes for research articles. Sticking to a specific format makes them look professional and shows that the authors mean business.

Remember, the goal isn't just to follow the rules - it's to communicate your cool findings in a clear, engaging way. And that's something you'll find handy in school, college, and beyond!

Q: Now I have downloaded one article, how should I start reading this research article?

Congratulations! To read and understand this research article:

First, identify the structure of the paper: understanding the structure of a research paper can help you navigate it more easily. Most research papers follow a similar format:

Title: Gives you a general idea about the paper.

Abstract: A brief summary of the study. It usually includes the purpose of the research, the methods used, the main results, and the conclusions.

Introduction: Explains why the research was done and what the authors hope to achieve. It also provides background information on the topic.

Methods (or Materials and Methods): Describes how the research was conducted. This section can be quite technical.

Results: Presents the findings of the research. This section often includes charts, graphs, and statistical analyses.

Discussion (or Conclusion): The authors interpret their results, describe how their findings contribute to the field, and often suggest future research directions.

References: Lists the sources that the authors used in their research.

2. Read with a Purpose: Before you start reading, decide why you're reading the paper. Are you reading it to understand a specific concept, to gather data for a project, or to review the paper for a class? Knowing your purpose can guide your reading process and help you focus on the most relevant parts of the paper.

3. Take Notes: While reading, take notes on key points, questions you have, terms you don't understand, and anything else that seems important. These notes will be very helpful for reviewing the paper later.

4. Use Visual Aids: Many research papers include visual aids like charts, graphs, and tables. These can help you understand the data and the results of the study. Take the time to understand what each visual aid is showing.

5. Look Up Unfamiliar Terms: Don't be discouraged if you come across words or concepts you don't understand. Use a dictionary or the internet to look up unfamiliar terms.

6. Review the References: The references section can provide you with additional sources of information. If there are parts of the paper you don't understand, some of the cited sources might provide more background information.

7. Discuss the Paper: Talking about the paper with others can help deepen your understanding. Consider discussing the paper with a teacher or classmates. If you're reading the paper for a class, your teacher might be able to answer any questions you have or clarify any confusing points.

8. Be Patient: Understanding a research paper takes time and practice. Don't worry if you don't understand everything in the paper on your first read-through. It's normal to have to read a paper several times to fully understand it.

Remember, the goal of reading a research paper isn't necessarily to understand every detail, but to gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic. Even experts in a field often have to read papers multiple times to fully grasp their content. So, don't be discouraged if you find it challenging at first. With practice, you'll get better at reading and understanding research articles.

Q: How should I better read the figure of a research article?

There are tricks to properly read a figure in a research article. Follow these steps listed below and you can acquire a valuable skill in understanding and interpreting the data presented:

First, understand the figure's purpose: Start by reading the caption or figure legend, which typically provides a brief description of the figure's content and its purpose in the first sentence. This will give you an idea of what the figure is trying to convey.

Second, examine the axes: Identify the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical) of the figure. Pay attention to the labels on the axes, including the units of measurement. This information is crucial for understanding the variables being represented.

Then, interpret the data points or lines: Look at the data points or lines plotted on the figure. If it's a scatter plot, each point represents an individual data point. If it's a line graph, the line represents a trend or relationship between variables. Note the patterns, trends, or relationships displayed by the data.

Next, check for error bars: I have written a brief description of “error bar” in the glossary. Generally, they indicate the uncertainty or variability associated with the data points. They are typically represented as lines extending from the data points. Error bars can provide information about the reliability or statistical significance of the results.

Further, identify different groups or conditions: If the figure represents data from multiple groups or conditions, look for different colors, symbols, or patterns that distinguish them. This can help you compare and understand the differences between groups or conditions.

Then, analyze any annotations or labels: Figures often include additional annotations, labels, or symbols to provide additional information or highlight specific data points. Pay attention to these elements as they may provide important context or explanations.

Next, cross-reference with the text: Read the corresponding sections in the article's text that refer to the figure. These texts are typically have (Fig. #) at the end. The text may provide additional explanations, interpretations, or statistical analyses related to the figure. Integrating the information from the figure and the text will help you fully understand the data and its implications.

Last, consider the overall message again: After analyzing the figure's details, step back and consider the big picture. What is the main point the figure is trying to convey? How does it contribute to the research article's overall argument or findings?

Remember, figures in research articles are designed to visually represent complex data and concepts. It may take some practice to become proficient in reading and interpreting them, so don't hesitate to consult additional resources, such as textbooks or scientific papers on data visualization, if you need further guidance.

When you are introducing a figure in the presentation, I prefer you to do it in the following order (let’s assume it is a X-Y bar/line graph):

Describe the X-axis first, “The x-axis shows …, in the unit of …”;

State the Y-axis then, “The y-axis demonstrates … with the changes of X, in the unit of …”;

Demonstrate further main theme of the figure, “This suggests that……(how Y changes with the changes of X)”, now stating the overall theme of the figure.

Q: How should I read the TITLE of a research article?

This may seem like a simple task; however, the TITLE is usually the very last part that the authors to fill when they write the manuscript. If approached thoughtfully, the title part can actually provide you with a great deal of information about the paper.

I would like to share with you how I normally read a research paper. 

Q: How should I read the ABSTRACT part of a research article?

If this is your first few times to read a research article, I honestly suggest that you may skip the abstract section and directly go to read the Introduction section. When you finish all the rest sections of this paper, you may come back to the Abstract section to check whether the authors have covered the main theme of this paper. Reading the abstract of a research article can be very insightful as it's a brief summary of the entire paper. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

1. Understand the Purpose: The abstract gives you an overview of the study. It'll help you decide whether the article is relevant to your research or interests. Be clear on what you're hoping to get from the article before you start reading.

2. Identify the Problem: The abstract usually starts by presenting the problem or the research question. Try to identify this first. This sets the context for the whole study.

3. Recognize the Methodology: The abstract should give a brief overview of the methods used in the research. This provides insight into how the research was conducted and can help you assess the reliability and validity of the results.

4. Interpret the Results: The abstract will also highlight the main findings or results of the research. Try to understand what these results mean in the context of the problem or question being addressed.

5. Note the Conclusion: The abstract will conclude with the implications of the findings and possibly suggest areas for further research. This can give you an idea of what the authors think their results mean in the bigger picture.

Remember, the abstract is just a preview of the research. If you're doing deep research or need more specific information, you should read the full article.

Q: How should I read the Introduction section?

The introduction section of a research article serves as the gateway into the study. It lays out the background, the motivation behind the research, and the specific problem or question the study aims to address. 

The structure of the introduction typically includes the following elements:

1. Broad Context: The introduction usually starts by describing the broader context of the research. It outlines the general topic or field of interest. This is like zooming out on a map to show where the research city is located in the knowledge country.

2. Literature Review: This is where the author discusses what has already been discovered about the topic. It's like a tour through the city, showing the buildings that have already been built. This part of the introduction should include references to other studies to show that the researchers are aware of the existing literature in their field.

3. Gap in Knowledge: After discussing what is already known, the introduction will identify the gap in the current knowledge that the research aims to fill. This is like pointing out an empty plot of land in the city where the researchers plan to construct their new building.

4. Research Question or Hypothesis*: This is the specific problem or question the research aims to address. It's like revealing the blueprint for the new building. The research question or hypothesis should be clearly stated and it should directly relate to the gap in knowledge that was previously identified.

5. Purpose of the Study: This part discusses why the research is being conducted and what it hopes to achieve. This is like explaining why the new building is needed and how it will benefit the city. The purpose could be to contribute to theoretical understanding, to solve a practical problem, or both.

6. Brief Method Overview: Although the full methods are usually in a separate section, the introduction often ends with a brief overview of the approach that the researchers took to answer their research question. This is like providing a quick preview of the construction process for the new building.

Remember, the goal of the introduction is to engage the readers' interest, show them why the study is important, and provide them with enough context to understand the rest of the paper. It's the researchers' opportunity to invite the readers on a journey through their study.

Q: How should I better read a figure?

Just as emojis communicate messages without words, figures in a research article communicate complex data without paragraphs of text. 

First,  don't dive into the details right away. Instead, take a moment to get a general sense of the figure. What's the "world" this figure creates? Is there a lot of data or a little? Is it colorful, or more black and white? Is it a bar chart, pie chart, line graph, scatter plot, or something else? It's like when you first drop into a new video game level – get a lay of the land before you start battling the details.

Second, let's understand the Axes. Just like in algebra, graphs usually have an X-axis (horizontal) and a Y-axis (vertical). These are like your game controls, steering you through the data. The labels on these axes tell you what kind of data is being compared. The units are also important. Are we talking about time in years, temperature in degrees, or population in millions?

Third, we need to read the legend. The legend is your game guidebook. It usually resides in a corner of the figure, explaining what the different colors, shapes, or lines represent. It's the Rosetta Stone that helps you decode the visual symbols.

Fourth, let's attempt to interpret the results. Once you understand the axes and legend, try to get the 'story' of the data. If it's a line graph, is the line rising, falling, or staying steady? If it is a bar graph, which bar is the tallest? The smallest? Does the graph show a trend over time, or a comparison at a single point in time? Imagine you're narrating the story of a grand adventure. This is the pivotal phase in the entire procedure. Approach it with the meticulousness of a detective. Avoid jumping to any conclusions immediately. Instead, begin with minor details, accumulating ALL THE TINY, UNBIASED FACTS that you've noticed, like a CSI (Criminal Scene Investigation) agent. For example, in Fig. 2 of Paper 1, collect evidences like "there is a band at ...kDa position", "The intensity of the ...kDa band is heavier than the one at ...kDa". "in Western blot figure, there is a band observed at ... location", etc. Forget about any conclusions that you attempt to rush at, wait until you have ALL the evidences/findings. 

Fifth, after you've got the general story, we could delve into the details, or the 'side quests' of your adventure. Look at the scale of the axes. If it's a logarithmic scale (where each step is 10x the previous one), then what looks like small changes could be huge! Are there error bars on the points or bars? If so, the data has a range of uncertainty, just like the unpredictable factors in a game.  You may have one conclusion or multiple conclusions. It would be fascinating if you could have a single conclusion that are supported by ALL the evidences that you have collected.                                    

Sixth, once you've interpreted the figure, it's time to tie it back to the 'main quest', which is the text of the article. Does the figure support the points made in the text? Or does it raise new questions? Sometimes, the figure might even contradict the text – a plot twist in your adventure! In the manuscript, hunt for the sentences that reference the figure number. For instance, search for the sentences that include "(Fig. 2)" or "(Figure 2)". These are typically tied to the data represented in that specific figure. This strategy will likely lead you to the authors' descriptions of their discoveries and their corresponding conclusions.

Last, you may want to ask questions. This is a sign that you're actively engaging with the data. Why did the researchers choose to present the data in this way? Are there other ways the data could be interpreted? What other data would you want to see to confirm these findings?

Whenever you read a figure, always bear in mind, what  hypothesis  this figure is testing. A step-by-step guide to navigating the intriguing world of figures in research articles. By learning to read these, you are becoming a true explorer of the knowledge universe. Happy adventuring!

Q: How should I read the Material and Methods section?

The main goal of having this Materials and Methods section has two folds: one is to let the readers know how exactly the authors have performed their experiments; while, the other is to let anyone could repeat exactly what the authors have done. This section of a research article is incredibly important as it details the steps the researchers took to conduct their study. In essence, it is a blueprint of the experiment or observation. It allows other scientists to replicate the study, verify the results, or build upon it in their own research.

To make it more interesting, let's think of this section as a recipe in a cookbook, and you're the chef! Just like a recipe lists the ingredients (materials) and the steps to make the dish (methods), the Materials and Methods section tells you what you need and what you need to do for the experiment.

1. Identify the 'Ingredients': First, look for the list of materials used in the research. This could include equipment, chemicals, software, or even organisms. It's like when you read a recipe and identify all the ingredients needed to make the dish.

2. Understand the Process: Next, follow the steps that the researchers took. What did they do first? What happened next? It's often written in the past tense and the passive voice, but don't let that deter you. It's simply explaining the steps taken, like following a recipe.

3. Visualize the Procedure: Try to imagine what each step would look like. This can be fun, as you're essentially picturing scientists at work. For example, if the article says, "samples were placed in a centrifuge and spun at 10,000 rpm for 15 minutes," picture what a centrifuge looks like, imagine the noise it might make, and consider why this step might be important.

4. Ask Questions: If you don't understand a step, or a piece of equipment or a term, don't be afraid to ask or look it up. Scientists love learning and asking questions, and so should you! There's no such thing as a silly question in science.

5. Replicate the Experiment (Theoretically): Finally, consider how you could replicate the experiment. This will help cement your understanding of the methods used. This is also where you can challenge yourself - can you think of any ways to improve the experiment? This is an exciting opportunity to think like a real scientist.

Remember, the Materials and Methods section is a window into the world of scientific investigation. It is your guide to understanding how scientists made their discoveries. By reading and understanding this section, you're participating in the scientific process - a process that has led to some of the most important discoveries in history!

Q: How should I better read the Discussion section?

The discussion section of a research article can often be the most challenging to read because it's where the authors interpret their findings, connect them back to existing literature, and propose future research directions. Here are some tips to read and understand it effectively:

Connect it Back to the Results: Before you dive into the discussion, make sure you have a solid grasp of the results section. The discussion is all about interpreting these results. Keep the figures, tables, and key findings in mind as you read.

Look for the Recap: Typically, the discussion starts with a brief recap of the most important findings. It's like the highlight reel after a big game. Pay close attention to this part, because it sets the stage for the rest of the discussion.

Pay Attention to Interpretations: The authors will spend a lot of time interpreting their results. Why did they get the results they did? How do these results answer the research question or support the hypothesis? The authors might also talk about any surprising findings and give their interpretations of those.

Compare with Other Studies: A major part of the discussion involves comparing the results of the study with findings from other research. The authors may agree or disagree with other studies. This helps to place their research in the broader context of the field.

Consider the Implications: What does it all mean? The authors should discuss the broader implications of their findings. This could be in terms of advancing scientific knowledge, practical applications, policy implications, etc.

Recognize the Limitations: No study is perfect, and good researchers acknowledge this in their discussion. What were the limitations of their study? How might these limitations affect the interpretation of the results?

Think About Future Research: The discussion often ends by suggesting future research directions. What questions are still unanswered? What new questions have emerged from the study?

Critically Evaluate: As you read the discussion, it's important to maintain a critical mindset. Do you agree with the authors' interpretations? Have they adequately supported their conclusions with their results? Are there alternative explanations they didn't consider? 

Remember, the discussion section is where everything comes together. It's the big picture, the "so what?" of the study. By understanding it, you get a sense of what the study contributes to the field and where the research might go from here.

Q: Dr. Zhao, how do you read a research article?

I start with the title, treating it as a hypothesis. Then I ask myself: If I were writing an article on this topic, what experiments or evidence would I need to produce to support that statement?