How To Read Papers Effectively 2024 | Scanning like a Scientist

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide for scientists and researchers to manage extensive literature effectively. It's divided into strategies for exploring unfamiliar fields and staying current in known ones. For new fields, the speaker suggests selecting reputable papers, utilizing a three-pass reading technique, and engaging with various resources for deeper understanding. In familiar fields, a 'fast reading' approach is recommended, emphasizing critical analysis and the use of tools like Paperpile for efficient reference management. The video concludes with general reading tips, including forming habits, seeking creative inspiration, and writing mini-essays to solidify learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 Reading a large volume of scientific papers is a common challenge for researchers, with the speaker having read up to 200 papers for a narrative review.
• 🔎 The speaker suggests starting with paper selection by consulting professors or reputable sources for top recommendations in a new field.
• 📈 For unfamiliar fields, the speaker recommends a reading strategy that begins with skimming titles, abstracts, and figures to gauge relevance.
• 🧠 To deepen understanding, the speaker advises looking up unfamiliar terms, visualizing content with figures, and engaging with the material critically.
• 🗣️ Listening to author talks, exploring related codes, and reading accessible blog posts can provide alternative perspectives on the research topic.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing papers with peers to enhance comprehension and to test one's understanding of the material.
• 📝 For keeping up with known fields, the speaker uses a 'fast reading' approach, quickly dismissing papers with red flags and focusing on key sections like figures and methods.
• 📊 The speaker uses an Excel sheet to organize key points from papers, which aids in remembering and comparing different studies for reviews.
• ⏰ Establishing a dedicated reading time and making reading enjoyable are tips for forming a reading habit, along with joining a reading group for accountability.
• 💡 Reading outside of scientific papers, such as pop science books, can inspire creative ideas and improve reading skills in a more enjoyable way.

Q & A

What is the main challenge scientists face when trying to keep up with a large volume of academic literature?

The main challenge is the sheer volume of papers that need to be read, which can be over 100 a day, and the difficulty in organizing, remembering, and reflecting on the content of all the papers read.

What are the two sections the video presenter divides their literature review technique into?

The two sections are: 1) Reading papers in fields that are not familiar, and 2) Keeping up with the literature in a field that one is already familiar with.

How does the presenter suggest selecting papers when entering a new field of study?

The presenter suggests asking a professor for recommendations, looking at online platforms like Coursera for recommended papers, or reading recent reviews that are typically no older than 5 years.

What is the 'three passes' reading strategy mentioned in the script?

The 'three passes' reading strategy involves initially looking at the title, abstract, and figures, then reading the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion, and finally focusing on the figures and unfamiliar terms.

Why is it important to visualize the paper while reading, according to the presenter?

Visualizing the paper helps in understanding the content better by keeping the figures in mind and referring back to them while reading, which aids in comprehending what is being discussed in the text.

What resources does the presenter recommend for gaining a deeper understanding of a paper in an unfamiliar field?

The presenter recommends listening to talks by the authors, finding related codes, reading relevant blog posts, and discussing the paper with peers or colleagues.

How can explaining the results without referring back to the paper help in understanding a paper deeply?

Explaining the results without referring back to the paper tests one's deep understanding of the paper, ensuring that the reader can interpret and communicate the findings independently.

What is the 'fast reading' approach the presenter uses for fields they are already familiar with?

The 'fast reading' approach involves quickly reading the abstract, figures, results, and methods to assess the paper's relevance and validity, and then checking if the discussion matches the results.

How does the presenter use an Excel sheet to organize their literature review?

The presenter uses an Excel sheet to note down elements of each paper, such as key findings and potential follow-up questions, which helps in remembering the details and critiquing the papers effectively.

What are some tips for making reading a habit and enhancing effective reading according to the presenter?

Tips include setting a dedicated reading time, making reading enjoyable, forming a reading group, reading for creative ideas, and writing mini essays on topics of interest to improve retention and understanding.