Further tips for reading journal articles

The information presented in every section of a journal article has a relationship to and is reflective of the information presented in every other section. The aims of the study, for example, will influence the design of the study .The methods used to collect data will dictate the types of results gained .The discussion section interprets the results gained in light of the aims of the study and the methodology used. Making predictions about and connections between the information that should be in one section based on your reading of another section is another way of increasing the efficiency of your reading. Making predictions and connections allows you to build up a holistic picture of the research being presented. It also allows you to skim read for confirmation of your predictions. A critical reading of a journal article will need to ensure that the connection between the information in each section of the journal article is apparent and logical.