Scientific Articles

What is a scientific article? 

A scientific article presents new research findings. The scientific article is highly valued amongst other scientific publications because it undergoes a peer review process where other researchers review the text prior to its publication in a scientific journal.

Since the scientific article presents a research study, it is often structured according to the IMRaD- structure (Introduction, Method, Result and Discussion). The IMRaD-structure can be described in short as follows:

• Introduction: Contains the background of the study, its purpose, and research questions.
• Method: Describes the methods used. The description should be detailed enough for other researchers to assess reliability and credibility and possibly repeat the study.
• Results: Presents the results collected by the researchers.
• Discussion and Conclusions: The researchers discuss the results in relation to previous research and look ahead. The method is also discussed, and the conclusions are presented.

Before the article begins, there will also be an abstract which is a brief summary containing the purpose, method, results, and conclusions. The keywords of the article’s main content usually follow. The article ends with a list of references used in the text.

There are different types of articles in scientific journals. The most common types of scientific articles are:

• Original Articles: Where the author accounts for an empirical study and describes the findings of the research study for the first time.
• Review Articles: Critical evaluations where the author organizes, integrates, and evaluates previously published studies.
• Theoretical Articles: Where the author, based on existing research, presents a new theory, analyzes, or criticizes existing theories.

It is also common to categorize original articles according to the methods that have been used, that is, quantitative or qualitative methods. Quantitative methods involve measuring or calculating data, and the results are presented in statistics and percentages. Qualitative methods examine phenomena and experiences, and the result involves a synthesis (holistic view) of the collected material. Mixed method means that both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used.

Finding an article

If you know which article you are looking for, the easiest way to find it is to search for it in our Library Search system. Nearly all the articles you find in the Library Search System are available in fulltext.

1. Write the title of the article in the search box, and you will most likely find the requested article.
2. Click Get from University West to download article in fulltext. If you're outside campus premises, you will have to log in with your username (e.g. buba0001) and password.

You can find articles on a specific subject in our databases.  Using the library’s guides you will find databases covering the right subject.

One alternative to the Library Search System and specific databases is to use the Libkey Nomad service, which is an extension that you can install in your browser. It always keeps track of what you as a student or teacher at the university have access to.

Still no results? By unclicking the filter "Full text online and printed materials", you will be searching beyond the Library Collections (EDS). If you find what you're looking for here, you can order the article in fulltext to be sent to your home adress via mail for a fee.

The library also has access to a large number of e-journals. All journals are searchable and accessible through the journal list. All the printed journals can be found on the first floor in the library just below the stairs. The printed journals are for library use only, but you can make copies of the articles.

Problems to reach electronic resources off-campus

When you are not on campus, it can sometimes be problematic to access the library e-resources that are only available to students and staff at University West. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the library’s digital zoomroom or chat to get guidance.

If you can't find the article in the discovery system, go to the Journal search and search for the journal title in the search box. When you have found the right journal, click on the right volume (year), number and pages to reach your article.

 Sharing a link

Make sure you find the correct link to the article. You can not only copy the address that appears in the address field, but you should look for concepts such as DOI, Permalink, Document URL, Permanent URL and more.