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STEM Research Guide

How to conduct research in STEM subjects.
Welcome! This guide provides an overview of the STEM research process and recommends Library and online resources.
When you begin looking for books, journals, or databases, make sure to always start at the Universal Search. It’s your quickest route to finding the best information fast. You can access Universal Search on the NCSSM-Morganton Library page or by clicking here
Scholarly vs Popular Journals One or more authors Authors / Typically one author or anonymous Aritcles are written by non-specialists Articles are reviewed by an editor, not a panel of experts Average of 1-2 pages long Never has footnotes and may not even mention sources Has extensive advertising and eyecatching photos to appeal to mass marketsare writen by experts Articles are typically peer-reviewed by independent experts before publication Typically at least 5 pages long Always has footnotes Publication title uses words like Journal Quarterly Proceedings Uses advertising, graphics, and illustrations only where relevant
Understand the Structure: Familiarize yourself with the typical structure of scientific papers, which usually includes sections like abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion. Knowing this structure will help you navigate the paper more effectively. Focus on Key Points: Pay close attention to the abstract, as it provides a concise summary of the paper's main findings and conclusions. Use it as a guide to understand the paper's overall purpose and relevance to your interests. Question Assumptions: Be critical of the assumptions underlying the research. Ask yourself whether the authors have provided sufficient evidence to support their claims and whether alternative explanations have been considered. Evaluate Study Design: Assess the design of the study and consider whether it is appropriate for answering the research question. Look for potential biases or limitations that could affect the validity of the results. Analyze Statistical Methods: Take the time to understand the statistical methods used in the study. Consider whether the analyses are appropriate for the data and whether the results are statistically significant. Consider the Context: Think about how the research fits into the broader scientific context. Consider previous studies on the topic and how the current findings contribute to our understanding of the subject. Look for Reproducibility: Evaluate whether the study's methods and results are reproducible. Consider whether the authors have provided enough detail for others to replicate the study and whether the results have been independently verified. Engage with the Discussion: Read the discussion section critically, paying attention to how the authors interpret their results and the implications of their findings. Consider whether the conclusions are supported by the data presented. Seek Additional Resources: Don't rely solely on the paper itself. Look for reviews, commentaries, or other secondary sources that provide additional context or analysis of the research. Stay Curious: Approach scientific papers with a curious and open mind. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification on points that are unclear. Remember that reading scientific papers is an ongoing learning process.

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