How to Read Scientific Papers: A Discussion with David Evans
Nov 7, 2023
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David Evans, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia, discusses the importance of scientific reading and effective techniques, the symbiotic relationship between research and teaching, and the value of classic scientific papers. He also explores habits and routines in scientific reading and the potential to improve the research community through optimizing knowledge papers.
Scientific reading requires developing effective reading habits to navigate research material efficiently and focus on understanding main ideas rather than technical details.
Teaching and mentoring are valuable skills for researchers, as they enhance communication, foster collaboration, and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Deep dives
The Importance of Collaboration in Research
Collaboration is crucial in research, with most work being done in teams rather than by individuals. This is especially true for PhD students, who benefit from leading their own projects and working with others. It is important for students to experience both leading projects and being part of larger collaborations to develop as independent researchers. Clear communication and a shared understanding of roles and goals are key in successful collaborations. PhD students should learn how to contribute effectively to projects led by others, as well as understand the importance of leadership and coordination in larger teams.
The Role of Teaching in the Scientific Network
Teaching is an integral part of the scientific network and research communication. Researchers should not overlook the value of teaching and mentoring in their careers. Teaching helps researchers develop important skills, such as effective communication, explaining complex ideas, and fostering collaboration. It is essential for PhD students to gain experience in teaching and mentoring, both in the classroom and one-on-one. By engaging with students and sharing knowledge, researchers can enhance their own understanding and contribute to the advancement of their field.
Effective Scientific Reading
Scientific reading requires a different approach than traditional reading. To efficiently navigate the vast amount of research material available, researchers should develop effective reading habits. Instead of reading papers linearly, it is more valuable to triage and skim through multiple papers to identify the most relevant ones for in-depth reading. It is important to focus on understanding the main ideas and story of a paper, rather than getting lost in technical details. Reading classic papers and learning from well-written examples can greatly enhance scientific reading skills.
The Art of Scientific Writing
Scientific writing is a crucial skill for researchers. Writing should aim to tell a clear and compelling story, focusing on the main message and scientific advancements. It requires the ability to critically analyze and revise one's own writing, ensuring that the story is well-structured and effectively communicated. PhD students should be encouraged to write independently and develop their own writing style. Writing can help researchers clarify their ideas and better understand the contributions of their work. Additionally, writing should aim to address the needs of the intended audience and balance technical details with the overarching narrative.
Listen to this interview of David Evans, Professor of Computer Science, University of Virginia. We talk about what makes scientific reading different.
David Evans : "Most scientific papers are making some claim. So, the real goal as a reader is to understand, Do I believe them? Have the authors done what's necessary to make that claim and make it convincing? But there's another goal, too, and that is to understand, What can I learn from this paper technically — have the authors done something that might inform work that we're doing — do they have something that might provide understanding or prove useful to projects that we are currently involved in or have had in the backs of our minds. Now, those are two quite different goals for a person's reading, but the structure of a paper — especially a well-written paper — that structure will help the reader figure out where to go to achieve which goal."