Reading results and discussion sections

The results section of articles, are often the ones that students want to skip. However, it is important to read this section and keep in mind a few things. Highlight significant results (p < .05); for each one, write in your own words what it means (e.g., females had higher self-efficacy than males). Does it make sense that they used the type of statistic or qualitative method that they did? It is a good idea to compare the author(s) original research questions to the results they provide- do they address each question? 

When you are done with the results section, compare your notes to the authors' discussion points. Do they interpret the results differently than you? How do they relate the results to the literature and the gap they were addressing? Do you agree that they have resolved the questions? Make notes to yourself as to what you agree and disagree with. 

Finally, take a look at the references for the article, are they reputable journals? Do they seem to only cite themselves? Pay attention to the how old the references are- are they recent? You may want to indicate which ones that you would like to read.

                                                                                         

You have now learned to review articles! As a Ph.D., you may be asked to be a peer reviewer for journals, and this is the method you will use to do so. Take notes, so you do not have to reread the article several times. 

Next time we will have a guest faculty writer. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu