Which section(s) of a journal article should you read first to determine if it is a good source for your paper?

The abstract and conclusion sections of a journal article are key to quickly assessing the relevance and applicability of the study to your research problem. The abstract provides a succinct summary of the study's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions, allowing you to gauge whether the article aligns with your topic without needing to delve into the entire document initially.

The conclusion reaches a final interpretation or summary of the study's findings and implications, often highlighting the significance of the research and its potential impact on the field. Together, these sections enable you to determine if the study's scope, findings, and relevance match what you're seeking for your paper.

While examining the methods, results, and discussion sections holds value, those components require more in-depth reading and analysis, which may not be necessary if the abstract and conclusion do not support your research needs. Thus, starting with the abstract and conclusion allows for a more efficient preliminary evaluation of the source's relevance.