How to Read Empirical Articles
Reading empirical articles for the first time can be daunting. Technical jargon,
statistical analyses, and discussions of theories and findings you know little about
(at least initially) all contribute to feelings of paralysis when you begin reading an
article. However, it need not be this way! The following tips can help to get you
through an empirical article.
Before reading an article ask yourself “Why am I reading this and what do I want
to get out of it?" By first identifying why you are reading the article you can better
target how you read the article.
Remember that you are not reading a novel where you have to start at the first
word, end at the last and read every word in between. Based on your needs, focus
on the relevant sections.
• Are you looking for research ideas?
o Read the introduction to see what's been done, the discussion to see what
questions remain and read the design/methods critically to look for flaws
in the logic or design or for alternative hypotheses. Recent topic
overviews (e.g., Current Opinion in Neurobiology) can be a great place to
start.
• Are you reading the article for crucial information you need to plan your own
experiment?
o Pay particular attention to the methods section. Take notes.
• Are you reading the article to advance your general knowledge.
o Think about how it fits into your existing understanding and whether there
is anything that changes "your view of the world."
• If you are reading it for a course, what do you think the instructor wants
you to get out of it (e.g., general knowledge of the field, a critical
evaluation of an idea)? How much other reading has been assigned and
how much time can you devote to each paper? Don't spend 3 hours
reading the first 2 papers and 10 minutes reading the last 8. Don't assume
that short papers are easier to read than long ones
