Introductory Guide to
Reading Research Articles - A Self-Paced Learning Module

Introduction
Peer Reviewed Journals
Types of Published Articles
Authors
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Rationale & Purpose
Methods
Results
Discussion
References

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Abstract

The abstract is a short and concise summary of the article and study. The abstract should provide a brief but accurate description of the goal and scope of the article and study.

As you read, ask yourself

• Does the abstract describe the problem being evaluated and the reason the study was conducted?
• Does the abstract describe the study subjects’ characteristics, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and type of drug problem?
• Does the abstract describe the number of study subjects (both total and for each research condition)?
• Does the abstract describe the study design, data-gathering strategies, and when data was gathered (such as baseline, immediate posttest, and 6 month follow-up)?
• Does the abstract describe outcomes, conclusions, and implications?

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