1. Determine the source of the paper: First, make sure that the paper you find comes from a reliable and authoritative academic journal. This can be achieved through academic databases (such as JSTOR, WebofScience or PubMed) or academic search engines (such as Google Academic).
2. Access: Many external papers need to be subscribed or obtained through academic institutions. If you are a student or a researcher, you may have obtained these resources. Otherwise, you may need to buy a subscription or ask the librarian for help.
3. Read the abstract and introduction: Before reading the full text, read the abstract and introduction of the paper. This will help you understand the theme, purpose and research methods of the paper.
4. Use full-text search function: Most academic databases provide full-text search function, so that you can find specific terms or phrases in articles. This will help you find the information you are interested in faster.
5. Read and understand charts: The charts and images in the paper usually contain a lot of information. Take time to read them carefully and try to understand the data and relationships they represent.
6. Take notes and summarize: take notes while reading and record key points, arguments and conclusions. This will help you better understand and remember the content of the paper. After reading, try to summarize the main points and findings of the paper.
7. Consult references: Consult the references cited in the paper to learn about other research results related to your research topic. This will help you understand the knowledge system in this field more comprehensively.
8. Participate in discussion and question-and-answer platform: Many academic databases and online communities have discussion and question-and-answer functions. You can communicate with other readers and authors on these platforms, share your opinions and questions, or seek help from others.
9. Abide by copyright laws and regulations: When quoting and using other people's works, make sure to abide by copyright laws and regulations. Follow the appropriate citation format and indicate the source.