Reading a scholarly article might feel overwhelming at first, but once you know how to approach it, the whole process becomes much more manageable. Here’s a simple way to tackle it step by step:
Begin with the Big Picture
Start by reading the title and abstract. Think of the abstract as a tiny summary that tells you what the study is about, what the authors did, and what they found. It helps you decide quickly if the article is relevant to your interests or research question. If it doesn’t seem helpful, it’s okay to move on.
Skim the Structure
Most scholarly articles follow a familiar format: abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion. In scientific research, this structure is often referred to as IMRAD. Knowing this framework allows you to jump to the section that best serves your purpose. For example, the methods if you’re curious about how the researchers conducted the study
Read with Focus
Now that you’ve skimmed, it’s time to go deeper. Start with the introduction to understand the background, the problem being addressed, and why it matters. Then move to the results or discussion to see what the researchers found and how they interpreted those findings. The methods section can feel tough, so read it when you need to confirm how the research was done.
Ask Questions as You Go
As you read, jot down notes in the margins or in a separate document. Ask yourself: What is the main question the authors are trying to answer? How did they test it? What stands out in their findings? Do I trust their conclusions based on the evidence provided?
Let the Visuals Speak
Charts and figures are not just decoration. They often carry the heart of the findings. Take time to understand what each graph or table shows and how it relates back to what you read in the text.
Reflect on the Article’s Design
Finally, think about how the article fits into its discipline. What kind of tone do the authors use? Is there a heavy reliance on data, case studies, or literature review? Scholars write differently depending on their field—observe what conventions are at play.
Check List
- Read the title and abstract to get the gist
- Skim to note the structure and decide where to dig in
- Read sections with purpose. Start with intro or discussion
- Take notes and ask meaningful questions
- Study visuals and cross-reference with text
- Consider how disciplinary norms shape the article
With practice, you’ll be able to read scholarly articles more confidently and efficiently. Over time this skill becomes second nature, and it will help you in every step of your academic journey.
Works Cited
“Anatomy of a Scholarly Article.” NC State University Libraries. 2025.
“Reading Scholarly Articles.” Purdue University Libraries. 26 Aug. 2025.
“Strategies for Reading Academic Articles.” George Mason University Writing Center.
Ten Simple Rules for Reading a Scientific Paper. MA Carey. 2020.
“Tips for Reading Psychology Journal Articles.” Verywell Mind. 2007.
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