Often important terms are boldfaced or italicized. A review of terminology before reading increases understanding and comprehension. Diagrams, figures, charts, and graphs are numerous. Time is needed to study these both before reading and as one reads as these visual aids help integrate information. Visualizations aid in the understanding and retention of information.
Research is an extension of information.
In order to read research and understand it, the basics of the discipline must be understood. Think of research as taking an idea, analyzing, synthesizing and extending it. Difficulty of material often necessitates more than one reading for thorough understanding of information. Briefly look over titles, introductions, subheadings, first few sentences beneath subheadings, figures, diagrams, italicized or boldfaced words and terms, and summaries. Skim the chapter - in more detail, but don't try to read it thoroughly yet.