A guide to help you how to read a research paper.

Before going to read the whole paper, first check “Title” and “Keywords”. If these two are related to your interest, please go ahead with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Read the abstract of the paper. What is the background? What research gap has the author concentrated on? What is the method the author is using to fill the research gap? How effective is the proposed method?

  • Step 2: Check all figures and tables (multiple times) before starting the introduction section. because it will help create an image in your mind.

  • Step 3: Start with the introduction and check the motivation of the study. Why does the author begin the work when peer-reviewed papers are available on the same research topic? What is the weakness of the related work, and how do the authors effectively tackle those problems using the proposed methodology? The hypothesis is a key part of the introduction, so don’t forget to read it.

  • Step 4: If you want to delve deeper, read the related work section.

  • Step 5: Begin with the methology section and learn everything you can. Find every symbol related to the proposed model. Here you can find your own ideas if you start comparing related topics. What if the author used the alternative parameters as part of the model? It is possible if you break down the proposed model into pieces. However, be careful about the effect of the short section on the next section.

  • Step 6: Is the experimental work according to the methodology section? What type of setup is required to conduct the proposed study? What parameters are useful to change to get higher accuracy?

  • Step 7: Check the conclusion and find the whole paper’s achievements. Some researchers recommend reading the conclusion with the abstract; however, reading the conclusion is effective when you read the methodology and experimental section.

Note: This is my approach, and I think it would be helpful for early researchers. Thanks

References:

  • LinkedIn: Alam Noor