Navigating a scientific or scholarly research article for the first time can be daunting. This guide outlines a step-by-step approach to reading such articles effectively. First and foremost, it’s crucial not to approach a scientific article like a textbook, reading it linearly from start to finish without pause. Instead, adopt an active reading strategy, which involves highlighting key points and taking notes to enhance comprehension.
- Skim the Article: Begin by quickly skimming through the article to get a basic overview. Focus on the headings, figures, and structure to grasp the main points without diving into detail. Pay particular attention to the abstract, as it provides a concise summary of the study’s purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions.
- Grasp the Vocabulary: Highlight unfamiliar words or phrases throughout the article and make note of them. Use context clues to understand some terms, but consult medical or scientific dictionaries for others. Many subject-specific dictionaries are available through Library databases and online resources.
- Identify the Article Structure: Most scientific articles follow a standard structure known as IMRD: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Recognizing these sections’ conventions will aid in comprehension and efficiency. Look for key features within each section to enhance understanding.
- Read Each Section Cautiously:
- Abstract: Review the abstract to confirm the article’s relevance to your research interests.
- Introduction: Skim through the introduction for background information and key questions addressed by the authors.
- Methods: This section outlines the experimental procedures and serves as a guide for replication.
- Results: Analyze the data presented in tables, graphs, and figures to understand the study’s findings.
- Discussion: Consider the authors’ interpretations and reflect on how they contribute to the broader research field.
- Review the References: Examine the bibliography or references section to identify additional resources and deepen your understanding of the topic. This section can also familiarize you with essential terminology and major researchers in the field.
- Reflect and Draw Conclusions: As you read, jot down any questions that arise and reflect on your understanding of the article. Consider how the research aligns with your interests and whether it addresses significant gaps in the literature.
- Read Again for Reinforcement: Finally, read through the article a second time in chronological order to solidify your comprehension and make connections with other related literature.
By following these steps and actively engaging with the content, you can navigate scientific articles more effectively and derive valuable insights for your research endeavors.
Business
The AMA Dictionary of Business and Management by George Thomas Kurin
ISBN: 9780814420287
Publication Date: 2013
This comprehensive resource encompasses a wide spectrum of terminology from various domains within the field of business. It includes terms related to management, strategy, finance, human resources, economics, marketing, sales, insurance, and international business, among others. Whether you’re seeking definitions, explanations, or insights into key concepts across different business disciplines, this resource serves as a valuable reference tool. From foundational principles to advanced topics, it provides a wealth of information to professionals, students, and researchers navigating the complex landscape of business studies.
Collins Dictionary of Business by Christopher Pass (Editor)
ISBN: 9781849721691
Publication Date: 2006
Encompassing the core domains of business theory and practice, this resource provides comprehensive coverage of key areas including marketing, production, finance, personnel management, business policy, and international business.
Collins Dictionary of Economics by C. L. Pass (Editor); Leslie Davies (Editor); Bryan Lowes (Editor)
ISBN: 9781849721769
Publication Date: 2007
This resource explores the foundational principles of economics and their practical application across various domains, including competition policy, agricultural policy, fiscal policy, and monetary policy.
Dictionary of Accounting by S. M.H. Collin
ISBN: 9781849722469
Publication Date: 2008
Offers fundamental terminology used in accounting, spanning from individual financial management and investments to corporate financial statements, balance sheets, and stock assessments.
Dictionary of Business by A&C Black
ISBN: 9781408198476
Publication Date: 2006
Encompasses essential business terminology that spans every facet of business operations, from office management to stock market dealings and international trade exhibitions.
Dictionary of E-Business by Francis Botto
ISBN: 9780470844700
Publication Date: 2003
Incorporates comprehensive explanations of wireless and mobile terminology, illustrating their practical applications in both technical and business contexts. It encompasses the most recent advancements in this rapidly evolving domain, catering to the dynamic needs of the industry.
Dictionary of Financial Engineering by John F. Marshall
ISBN: 9781849721424
Publication Date: 2006
An accessible handbook providing insights into the specialized vocabulary used in derivative instruments and risk management practices.
Dictionary of Human Resources and Personnel Management by A. Ivanovic (Editor); P.H. Collin (Editor)
ISBN: 9781849721967
Publication Date: 2007
Essential vocabulary across the spectrum of human resources, encompassing recruitment, performance evaluations, compensation mechanisms, terminations, and labor relations.
Dictionary of Marketing Communications by Norman A. Govoni
ISBN: 9780761927716
Publication Date: 2003
Comprising over 4,000 entries, this resource elucidates pivotal terms and concepts within the realm of marketing promotion, spanning advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, personal selling, and e-marketing.
Dictionary of Strategy: Strategic Management A-Z by Louise Kelly; Chris Booth
ISBN: 9780761930730
Publication Date: 2004
This resource elucidates over 550 vital strategic management terms and concepts.
New Penguin Business Dictionary by Graham Bannock (Editor)
ISBN: 9781849722353
Publication Date: 2007
This comprehensive resource spans all facets of business, from accounting and marketing to organizational behavior and human resource management.
Penguin Dictionary of Economics by Graham Bannock; R. E. Baxter; Evan Davis
ISBN: 9781849722377
Publication Date: 2007
This resource elucidates a wide array of economic terms, ranging from the acceleration principle to venture capital, Euro to X-efficiency, globalization to zero-sum game.
Routledge Dictionary of Economics by Donald Rutherford
ISBN: 9780415122917
Publication Date: 2013
This resource offers clear and definitive explanations of the key terms, issues, theories, and concepts in modern economics.
Webster’s New World Finance and Investment Dictionary by Barbara Etzel
ISBN: 9781849721486
Publication Date: 2006
This resource provides clear, accessible, and cross-referenced explanations of the most essential financial terms used today. It covers vocabulary related to accounting, finance, banks and banking, economics, investing, markets, real estate, and securities.
Education
Biographical Dictionary of Modern American Educators by ABC-CLIO
ISBN: 9781780342085
Publication Date: 1997
This resource offers biographical information highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education in the United States.
Dictionary of Education by John Dewey
ISBN: 9781504009270
Publication Date: 2015
This resource offers succinct definitions related to the philosophical ideas of Dewey.
Dictionary of Health Education by David A. Bedworth; Albert E. Bedworth
ISBN: 9780195342598
Publication Date: 2009
This guide offers a thorough compilation of professional and technical terminology used within the field of health education.
Publication Date: 1997
This dictionary emphasizes the meanings and perspectives of diverse terms utilized in multicultural education.
Health sciences
The American Heritage Medical Dictionary by American Heritage Dictionary Editors (Editor)
ISBN: 9780618824359
Publication Date: 2007
The dictionary contains over 45,000 clear and concise definitions, encompassing diseases and conditions like avian influenza and gender dysphoria, treatments such as cosmeceutical and fusion inhibitor, and microorganisms like norovirus.
Black’s Medical Dictionary by Harvey Marcovitch
ISBN: 9781472943071
Publication Date: 2017
The resource comprises more than 5,000 definitions and descriptions of medical terms and concepts, accompanied by over 1,000 diagrams, drawings, and color illustrations.
The Cambridge Historical Dictionary of Disease by Kenneth F. Kiple (Editor)
ISBN: 9780521530262
Publication Date: 2003
The content is enriched by the contributions of over 100 medical and social scientists from various regions worldwide, rendering it a genuinely interdisciplinary exploration of the history of medicine and human disease.
Collins Dictionary of Medicine
ISBN: 9781849722643
Publication Date: 2008
The dictionary encompasses entries on the theory and practice of medicine, spanning various fields such as pharmacology, virology, psychiatry, and dentistry.
Dictionary of Health Economics and Finance by David Edward Marcinko (Editor); Msha Cphq Cmp (Editor)
ISBN: 9780826102546
Publication Date: 2007
Containing over 5,000 definitions, 3,000 abbreviations and acronyms, and a compilation of 2,000 resources, readings, and nomenclature derivatives, this comprehensive resource encompasses the financial and economic language used across every sector of the healthcare industry.
Dictionary of Health Information Technology and Security by David Edward Marcinko; Msha Cphq Cmp
ISBN: 9780826149954
Publication Date: 2007
With over 10,000 entries, including 5,000 definitions, 3,000 abbreviations and acronyms, and 2,000 resources and readings, this book offers a comprehensive, convenient, and current guide to the rapidly expanding domain of the healthcare industry.
ISBN: 9780826149947
Publication Date: 2006
Compiles the latest abbreviations, acronyms, definitions, and terminology used in the healthcare industry.
Dictionary of Medical Terms by A&C Black
ISBN: 9781408102091
Publication Date: 2005
Incorporates terminology from both British and international medical practice, encompassing various fields such as surgery, general practice, hospitals, clinics, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and other specialized areas.
Dictionary of Nursing Theory and Research by Ann Bethel Powers; Thomas R. Knapp
ISBN: 9780826106667
A foundational dictionary providing insights into both traditional and contemporary concepts in nursing theory and research.
Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary by Merriam-Webster
ISBN: 9781786841131
Publication Date: 2016
Encompassing over 38,000 entries, this resource includes the most recent brand names and generic equivalents for commonly used drugs.
Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary by Walter Glanze
ISBN: 0801651956
Publication Date: 2001
Offers clear and explanatory definitions tailored to the terminology relevant to nurses and other healthcare professionals.
The SAGE Dictionary of Health and Society by Kevin White
ISBN: 9780761941163
Publication Date: 2006
Delivers concise and confident summaries of essential terms, concepts, debates, and notable figures in the realm of social aspects of health.
Webster’s New World Medical Dictionary by WebMD (Firm) Staff
ISBN: 9780470189283
Publication Date: 2008
Comprises 8,500 entries, featuring 500 recently added terms, an appendix on vitamins, and an accompanying website providing access to medical terminology.
Marriage and Family Science
Dictionary of Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling by Raymond Kenward; Emmy van Deurzen
ISBN: 9780761970958
Publication Date: 2005
Thorough compilation of existential terminology, elucidating their meanings and practical applications.
ISBN: 9780803953338
Publication Date: 1993
Offers an enlarged yet concise and convenient resource for professionals, scholars, and learners in the realms of family psychology and psychotherapy.
Psychology
ISBN: 9781136798849
Publication Date: 2016
Furnishes biographical insights and critical examinations of the impact and reception of individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of psychology.
The Concise Dictionary of Psychology by David A. Statt
ISBN: 9780415179393
Publication Date: 1998
Encompasses over 1,300 references to terms, expressions, and notable pioneers in the field of psychology.
ISBN: 9781843922964
Publication Date: 2011
Entries, ranging from 500 to 1500 words each, covering essential terms and concepts in forensic psychology, presented in alphabetical order.
The Dictionary of Psychology by Ray Corsini
ISBN: 9781583913284
Publication Date: 2001
Provides access to over 30,000 entries, which include interdisciplinary terms and contemporary slang, alongside more than 125 illustrations. Additionally, it offers extensive cross-referencing of entries for enhanced navigation and exploration.
Dictionary of Psychology and Allied Sciences by M.S. Bhatia
Publication Date: 2000
Arranged alphabetically, this resource presents 8,000 words commonly used in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and neurology, each accompanied by its respective definition.
ISBN: 9780128131503
Publication Date: 2019
Comprising hundreds of succinct entries, this resource covers various topics across sports, martial arts, exercise and fitness, performing arts, and cultural sport psychology.
Elsevier’s Dictionary of Psychological Theories by Jon E. Roeckelein (Editor)
ISBN: 9781849722834
Publication Date: 2008
This resource encompasses terms related to the origin, development, and evolution of various psychological concepts. It also includes historical definitions, analyses, and criticisms of these concepts.
Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Psychology by Graham Davey
ISBN: 9781849726887
Publication Date: 2010
This reference organizes entries into 8 thematic topic areas, providing a range of levels from concise definitions to more extensive discussions. This structure enables readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of important terms and concepts.
The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology by Arthur S. Reber; Rhiannon Allen; Emily Sarah Reber
ISBN: 9781849726054
Publication Date: 2010
This resource delves into recent advancements in psychology, psychiatry, and associated disciplines, incorporating updated content on neuroscience and social psychology.
The Routledge Spanish Bilingual Dictionary of Psychology and Psychiatry by Steven M. Kaplan
ISBN: 9780415587747
Publication Date: 2011
This dictionary boasts over 100,000 entries, establishing it as the most comprehensive and current resource of its kind available.
Research Methods
Dictionary of Statistics and Methodology by W. Paul Vogt (Editor)
ISBN: 9780761988540
Publication Date: 2005
Offers straightforward definitions and explanations of statistical concepts and terms.
The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry by Thomas A. Schwandt
ISBN: 9781412909273
Publication Date: 2007
With the inclusion of 70 new terms and a Reader’s Guide, this edition has been enhanced. Key references have been revised, and several terms and phrases from earlier editions have been restructured and broadened.
ISBN: 9781412935210
Publication Date: 2007
This resource offers comprehensive coverage of the field, elucidating core concepts while introducing both new and unfamiliar terms.
ISBN: 9781412935296
Publication Date: 2011
This compilation comprises over 90 entries, encompassing the essentials of qualitative methodologies, including both analysis and implementation aspects.
The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods by Clive Seale; Victor Jupp
ISBN: 9780761962984
Publication Date: 2006
This comprehensive resource comprises over 230 entries, offering extensive coverage of all the primary terms associated with the research process.
The SAGE Dictionary of Statistics by Duncan Cramer; Dennis Laurence Howitt
ISBN: 9780761941378
Publication Date: 2004
A practical and concise dictionary catering to the everyday needs of statistics across various disciplines within the social sciences.
Social Work
Dictionary of Social Work by Martin Thomas; John Pierson
ISBN: 9780335238811
Publication Date: 2010
Offers a thorough and authoritative reference to the vocabulary utilized in the field of social work.
Technology
Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology by Christopher G. Morris (Editor)
ISBN: 9780122004001
Publication Date: 1992
The most extensive and authoritative science dictionary currently in existence.
Dictionary of Communications Technology by Gilbert Held
ISBN: 9781849720694
Publication Date: 2002
Verify precise specifications, definitions, characteristics, options, circuit diagrams, pathways, alignments, sources, codes, events, tables, sequences, trade names, methodologies, and various other essential details.
Dictionary of Computing by S. M. H. Collin
ISBN: 9781849723565
Publication Date: 2008
Offers comprehensive coverage of computing terminology, encompassing hardware, software, programming languages, networks, applications, e-commerce, and the Internet.
Dictionary of Multimedia and Internet Applications by Francis Botto
ISBN: 9781849720816
Publication Date: 2003
Includes references and illustrations, elucidates new and emerging technologies, serves as a bridge between definition and explanation, and offers valuable tradename information.
Pocket Illustrated Dictionary of Engineering Terms by Peter Twigg; Roger L. Timings
ISBN: 9780750650717
Publication Date: 2001
Entries encompass topics in engineering science, electrical and electronic engineering, workshop practices, and mechanical engineering.
Webster’s New World Computer Dictionary by Bryan Pfaffenberger
Publication Date: 2003
Includes updated information on the latest standards and protocols in storage, memory, peripherals, and more, alongside expanded coverage of computer security, legislation, and computer and Internet technology.