1. Scientific Journal Article Evaluation Form
Page 1 of 2
Title of Article: Click just to the right of the prompt to enter the information .
Your Name:
Author(s) Name(s):
Today’s Date:
Journal Title:
See:
Publication Date:
Volume and Issue (if applicable):
Page Numbers:
Identify sections: (1) Title; (2) Abstract; (3) Author(s) Information; (4) Images/Graphs; (5) Introduction; (6) Discussion/Conclusion; (7) Bibliography;
(8) Methods; (9) Results (Tables, Data, Images, Graphs, etc.).* If possible, print your article, and circle each section or note the beginning of each section.
Abstract:
Briefly summarize in your own words what this article is ‘all about’ based on the abstract. Or, list important content from the abstract that indicates relevance to your interests. Why did you choose this article?
. Click in upper-left corner of each box to enter your answers .
Author(s) Information:
What indicates that the author(s) has expertise in this field or on this topic? .
Introduction (Background Info.):
Pick two sentences that you consider to be most important. Write them here in quotes & add your comments.
Identify the ‘Research Question.’
Write it down specifically as you understand it to be. The author may not state, “The research question is…” in so many words.
Who is the intended audience? .
* Images and graphs are listed twice to encourage one quick review, followed by a thorough reading of all results.
Enhanced by K. Beisner, School Librarian, for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), October 3, 2013, from Gotwals, B. (n.d.). Journal article evaluation form [Course handout]. Modified and used with permission from B. Gotwals.

2. Scientific Journal Article Evaluation Form
Page 2 of 2
Title of Article:
Your Name:
Results (Images, Tables, Graphs):
Identify one or two images, graphs, or tables that are the most significant. Why? What do these tell you? .
Methods:
Briefly describe in your own words the research method(s) used. .
Discussion/Conclusion:
How thoroughly do the results answer the research question? Explain.
Not all scientific literature chronicles a specific experiment. However, most provide a message that addresses some need. What is the main point you learned? State it clearly such that a 6th grader can understand the point. .
Bibliography (also referred to as ‘References’ or ‘Works Cited’):
Are multiple works included by the same author? Identify the work in the list that you think would be the best to read to learn more about the topic. .
Identify areas where your understanding is not completely clear. What are your questions? Do you need more general background knowledge of the topic to understand the details presented in this article? What information sources will you use? .
Enhanced by K. Beisner, School Librarian, for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), October 3, 2013, from Gotwals, B. (n.d.). Journal article evaluation form [Course handout]. Modified and used with permission from B. Gotwals.