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. 2013 Jan;17(1):65-70.
doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.110733.

Art of reading a journal article: Methodically and effectively

Rv Subramanyam  1
Affiliations

Art of reading a journal article: Methodically and effectively

Rv Subramanyam. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Reading scientific literature is mandatory for researchers and clinicians. With an overflow of medical and dental journals, it is essential to develop a method to choose and read the right articles.

Objective: To outline a logical and orderly approach to reading a scientific manuscript. By breaking down the task into smaller, step-by-step components, one should be able to attain the skills to read a scientific article with ease.

Methods: The reader should begin by reading the title, abstract and conclusions first. If a decision is made to read the entire article, the key elements of the article can be perused in a systematic manner effectively and efficiently. A cogent and organized method is presented to read articles published in scientific journals.

Conclusion: One can read and appreciate a scientific manuscript if a systematic approach is followed in a simple and logical manner.

Keywords: Articles; journal; reading; research; systematic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic flowchart of the first step in choosing an article to read
Figure 2
Figure 2
Decision-making flowchart to decide whether to read the chosen article or not
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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