When reading peer reviewed or academic articles, do not read them straight through!  Instead, read the sections in the order that will best help you understand and analyze the content in relation to your own research question.

• Read articles more than once. 
• Read first for the big picture, then go back and re-read for the details. 
• Look up words/concepts that are unfamiliar. 
• Take notes in your own words, perhaps as answers to the questions posed below.

Chart derived from “How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles”,
a short video produced by the University of Minnesota Libraries

Also consider: Notetaking Template from UNC Chapel Hill