Research Methodologies - Lecture 02

Mansoura University

CIS Faculty

Department of Information Systems

How to Read a Scientific Paper


Dr. Mohammed Elmogy

Mansoura UniversityFaculty of Computers & Information SciencesDepartment of Information Systems

[email protected]

11. October 2011

How to Read a Scientific Paper 1

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CIS Faculty



Outline

The Typical Anatomy of a PaperAbstract/SummaryIntroductionMaterials and MethodsResultsDiscussionReflections and CriticismsTips for Success


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CIS Faculty


The Typical Anatomy of a Paper How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



Mansoura University

CIS Faculty


The Typical Anatomy of a Paper How to Read a Scientific Paper

The Typical Anatomy of a Paper

I Title and authors

I Abstract/summary

I Introduction

I Materials and Methods

I Results

I Discussion

I Acknowledgements

I References

I Figures/Tables


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Title and Authors

I Title is very descriptive (often states the main finding) and isnot about being creative and catchy!

I Order of authors is important. What can you tell from it?

I Many PIs simply refer to work from other PIs’labs ... so as youkeep a catalogue in your mind – DO associate work with lab.


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CIS Faculty


Abstract/Summary How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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CIS Faculty


Abstract/Summary How to Read a Scientific Paper

Abstract/Summary

I Purpose for the study.

I Major findings of the study.

I Relationship between these findings and the field.


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CIS Faculty


Introduction How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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Introduction

I Presents the background information for a fellow scientist(possibly in another field) to understand why the findings ofthis paper are significant.

I Structure is usually:

I Accepted state of knowledge in the field.I Focus on a particular aspect of the field, often the set(s) of data

that led directly to the work of this paper.I Hypothesis being tested.I Conclusions (scientists don’t really like surprise endings!).


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CIS Faculty



How to Approach the Introduction

I Grab a blank piece of paper:I Take notes.I Draw mini figures.I Define vocabulary (wikipedia is a quick reference).

I Answer these questions:

I What data led directly to the work of this paper?I What is the hypothesis being tested?I What are the basic conclusions? (Scientists don’t really like

surprise endings and this is usually stated in the last paragraph.)


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Introduction (cont.)

Notes

Notes allow you to take a break (hours to days) and come back toyour thoughts ... you won’t have to re-read the parts youcompleted.


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Materials and Methods How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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Materials and Methods

I Should be detailed enough for another scientist to replicate thework (volumes, times, company material was purchased frometc.)

I In reality, often compressed and you may need to look upanother paper that is referenced for more detail.


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CIS Faculty



Materials and Methods (cont.)Should you read the materials and methods?

I Often you can skim over them before the results.

I However, when you get to the results, you will need to flip backto them often to clarify how experiment was done.I Sample number? (Did they do this more than once?)I Conditions? (Am I looking at a reduced or non-reduced protein

gel?)


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CIS Faculty


Results How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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CIS Faculty



Results

I While the introduction poses the questions being asked, theresults describes the outcome of the experiments that weredone to answer the questions.

I Results are often simply stated with interpretation of themcoming later in the discussion.

I Figures and tables allow the reader to see the outcomes of theexperiments for themselves!


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CIS Faculty



Results (cont.)How to read the results

I Read the text straight through, but as a figure is referred to,examine the figure.

I Take notes, giving yourself a place to refer to about eachfigure.

I With each experiment/figure you should be able to explain.I the basic procedure.I the question it sought to answer.I the results.I the conclusion.I criticisms.


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CIS Faculty


Discussion How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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CIS Faculty



Discussion

I Data is analyzed to show what the authors believe the datashow. (You don’t have to agree with their interpretations!)

I Findings are related to other findings in the field (contribute toknowledge, correct errors, etc.)– How is this work significant?


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Discussion (cont.)How to Read a Discussion

Take notes and answer these questions:

I What conclusions do the authors draw? Be sure to separatefact from their opinion/interpretation?

I Describe for yourself why these data significant. (Does itcontribute to knowledge or correct errors?)


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CIS Faculty


Reflections and Criticisms How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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CIS Faculty



Reflections and Criticisms

I Do you agree with the authors’ rationale for setting up theexperiments as they did?

I Did they perform the experiments appropriately? (Repeated anumber of times, used correct control groups, used appropriatemeasurements etc)

I Were there enough experiments to support the one majorfinding they are claiming?


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Reflections and Criticisms (cont.)

I Do you see patterns/trends in their data that are problems thatwere not mentioned?

I Do you agree with the authors’ conclusions from these data?Are they over-generalized or too grand? Or are there otherfactors that they neglect that could have accounted for theirdata?

I What further questions do you have? What might you suggestthey do next?


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Tips for Success How to Read a Scientific Paper

Outline



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CIS Faculty



Tips for Success

I Spend a lot of time on each paper NOW look up every detailthat you are unsure of. (Time you invest now will payoff in thelong run). Discovering the answers for yourself is one of thebest ways to learn and have the information be retained.

I Imagine yourself teaching the paper or figures toclassmates—teaching something to others is also another greatway to learn.


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Tips for Success (cont.)

I Start a database of procedures that you take the time to lookup and teach to yourself. What are some of the commonprocedures that are used in various papers? (e.g. western,immunoblots, RT-PCR, apoptosis assays, yeast two hybrids,etc.)

I IWatch others in your lab experiences and find out what theyare doing. . . you may never get the opportunity to do RT-PCR,but the more you understand the procedure, the more criticalyou can be of data you need to interpret.


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CIS Faculty



Tips for Success (cont.)

I Read papers when you are awake and interested in reading. Ifyou are going to break up a paper and read it over several daysbe sure to summarize before continuing each day.

I If you are already in the field you plan to stay in, considerstarting a database on papers that relate to your lab/project.You will want to be able to impress your P.I. with your quickanalysis and summary of a monumental paper from another lab!


Research Methodologies - Lecture 02

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Transcript of Research Methodologies - Lecture 02