How to read scientific papers

This video by Kevin Matteson provides a breakdown of the typical structure and key elements of a peer-reviewed scientific research article, using an example focused on elephant conservation and social media. He guides viewers on what information can be gleaned even before a full read-through.

Here's what the video covers:

-- Initial Article Information: Explains the significance of the journal name (Conservation Science and Practice), publisher (Wiley), and the peer-review timeline (received, revised, accepted dates).
-- Author Affiliations and Correspondence: Points out how author affiliations (indicated by numbered superscripts) and the designated corresponding author's contact information can provide context.
-- Standard Article Structure: Describes the common sections of a research paper: the abstract (a concise overview), keywords, the introduction (setting the broader context with citations), methods (explaining the study's procedures), results (presenting findings), and the discussion (interpreting results and linking to existing literature).
-- Importance of Citations: Emphasizes the need to track down and read cited works (like the example of Tillman et al., 2017) for proper scholarship.
-- Navigating and Skimming: Suggests that while detailed reading is crucial for key articles, researchers often skim through sections to find the most relevant information, especially as they gain experience.
-- Literature Cited/References: Highlights the crucial role of the bibliography in identifying additional relevant research for further reading.