How To Read and Understand Research Papers

Attempting to dive into a research paper can feel intimidating. Dense academic language, diagrams, data, and endless citations can overwhelm even avid readers. Regardless of whether you are a student or a professional, navigating academic texts isn’t easy. The good news is that you don’t need a PhD to understand them. With the right approach, you can learn how to decipher complex studies and enjoy the process. In this guide, we’ll break down the structure of a research paper and show you how to find the information that you need the next time you read one.

A research paper is a type of source in which the writer investigates a topic and develops an argument supported by their own analysis. Research papers are based on facts, whereas essays are often based on opinion. With all the different formatting in academic papers, writing with the correct structure can be tricky. 

Here’s how to ease that burden by breaking down how to read and understand them, making you confidently succeed with your next report. 

The Abstract

The majority of research papers contain different sections and follow an academic structure. It begins with an abstract, which is a summary of the research and its findings. An abstract has multiple purposes, one of which is to give readers a glimpse of the full paper so they can decide whether to read it. An abstract also prepares readers to follow the more detailed information in your paper and helps them remember the key points. Search engines and bibliographic databases use abstracts and titles to index research papers. As a result, the abstract and title help readers locate your paper.  

The Introduction

The introduction of a research paper helps the reader move from a general subject to a specific topic. The introduction presents 1) scope, 2) context, and 3) importance to the reader. The scope is the topic covered in the research paper. The context is the background of the topic. This section explains why your research matters. A strong introduction outlines what is already known, identifies what’s missing, and clearly states what the study aims to accomplish.

The Method       

The method section describes what methodology was used, as well as the materials used to perform the research. It includes any methods used or designed for you to gather data for your paper. It also includes any methodology that is specific to your field of study, like lab procedures or data gathering instruments.

The Results

The results section presents the findings obtained through the applied methodologies. The results will be presented objectively and in logical sequence. It includes an explanation of the key conclusions drawn from your research.  This section is crucial if your research contains data.

The Findings 

The discussion section summarizes the research findings, but should not be confused with the results section. The findings have a beginning, middle, and end and move from a specific context to a more general one. 

The beginning answers the research questions provided by the findings. 

The middle contains comparisons with previous works to support the study, an interpretation of the results, and the strengths and limitations of the study. 

The end has the conclusion of the paper and the significance to fill in the gap in the field of study.

The conclusion 

The conclusion highlights the key points and findings of the research, emphasizes the study’s significance within the field, and suggests directions for future investigation. More than a simple summary, it is meant to leave the reader with a clear understanding of the importance and impact of the research. The conclusion sums up the main ideas and demonstrates the study's broader implications, highlighting the importance of its contributions.

When reading a research paper, it’s important to pay attention to the title and read attentively. Making notes, going over them multiple times, and reading the references section are also helpful. Discussing the paper with others can also reinforce understanding and retention. 

So, the next time you have a research paper due, don’t fret! The key to writing a good research paper is reading and understanding it properly. Familiarize yourself with the components of a research paper so that when the due date arrives, you’ve already proofread it and included all the necessary points.