Read the article's abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the article located before the article and usually about one paragraph long. Reading the abstract will provide you with the objectives of the research, including the hypothesis, findings and conclusion. This will indicate the purpose of the research and what to look for as you read. You can then identify the details of the arguments and how they are supported by evidence.
Research academic jargon and vocabulary words specific to the topic. You will find many academic terms used commonly in research articles that are not as common in everyday speech. Reading many academic articles over time will over help you understand such words in context. However, if you would like some extra help with understanding frequently used academic terms, you can find specialized dictionaries and glossaries that define such terms. Such a tool is useful for reading research articles in a number of academic fields.
Reread the first and last paragraphs of the article. After you have read the entire work and researched the new vocabulary, return to the first paragraph to get a new perspective. Reading the first and then last paragraphs will also provide a "recap" of what you have just read and make the main points of the article clear and obvious.
Read reviews of the article. A critic of the article may make observations regarding the research methods or findings that you may not have noticed. Critics may also point out some of the author's biases, which will affect your understanding of the article's purposes and conclusion.
Read other articles on the same topic. Researching other takes on the same topic will give you a better understanding of the ideas presented in the article. Look for articles that both confirm and oppose the conclusion of the original article. Reading opposing views will help you grasp and make an educated decision regarding whether the research has proved or disproved the hypothesis. Articles that confirm the findings will show the evidence in a new light and help you understand the original article more clearly.