Article Summary
Research Articles
Research Articles – Main Parts
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Research Article – Main Parts
Abstract
Provides a brief overview of the article
Introduction
Discusses previous research that led the authors to their current study and research question(s) and hypothesis(ses)
Methods
Describes the sample/participants, outlines the tests used in the study and what each was used to measure/assess
Results
Will include both written and visual demonstrations (e.g., tables, graphs, figures) of results of the statistical analyses that were conducted
Discussion
Provides a summary of results, what were the important findings/why the study was important, and conclusions/future directions
References
Lists all the references that were cited throughout the article
Where is the Purpose/ Hypotheses?
The purpose will sometimes be labeled as “Purpose” or “Objective” in the abstract
The purpose(s) and hypothesis(ses) can also be found at the END (typically the last paragraph) of the Introduction section
Lange, E., Kucharski, D., Svedlund, S., Svensson, K., Bertholds, G., Gjertsson, I., & Mannerkorpi, K. (2019). Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care & Research, 71(1), 61-70.
4
How to tell is they are looking at differences/ relationships/or both
One, you can look at the wording of their hypotheses and what kinds of variables they are using
Two, it can also be helpful to look at which statistical analyses they used
Remember we learned in class that there are some statistical analyses that only look at differences and some that only look at relationships
And, for instance, if they used t-tests and regressions then we know they looked at BOTH differences and relationships
What types of variables did they use?
To identify their variables, you can look at their:
Hypotheses
Visual displays of the data (e.g., tables, graphs, figures)
It can be helpful to look at their tables/graphs if you are having trouble identifying which scale of measurement is used for their variables
If there are different groups in their tables/ x-axis of their graph – then we know it is a categorial variable
Tables and graphs will also show values - whether those values/numbers in the table/graph are all positive, or if they can be negative will help you determine which scale of measurement is being used as well.
Where do I find the tests they used?
Methods Section
The tests, or the tools/instruments, that were given to participants will be outlined in the Methods section
The tests are what the researchers gave participants/ what they had the participants DO in the study
In the example article to the left, what test was used?
One test used was the “Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire”
What did it measure?
It measured perceptions of task cohesion
Spink, K. S., McLaren, C. D., & Ulvick, J. D. (2018). Groupness, cohesion, and intention to return to sport: A study of intact youth teams. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(4), 545-551.
7
Where do I find the Statistical Analyses
The statistical analyses section is typically:
At the end of the methods section
OR
Beginning of the results section
Sometimes the section is clearly labeled as “Statistical Analyses” or “Data Analyses”
Spink, K. S., McLaren, C. D., & Ulvick, J. D. (2018). Groupness, cohesion, and intention to return to sport: A study of intact youth teams. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(4), 545-551.
8