The steps in the process of scanning an academic article for relevance:
Step 1.Skip to the end
You won’t spoil the ending! Reading the conclusion is your best bet for making a quick determination of the relevance to your topic.
Step 2.Identify research question and major findings
The research question will almost always be stated just prior to the Methods section, and can also be found within the abstract and/or conclusion.
Step 3.Determine its relevance
Is it relevant to your context? Does it discuss themes that you have already identified in other studies? Does it introduce new themes not previously considered?
If yes, include for appraisal
If no, discard and find others (if necessary)
If maybe, review the abstract and conclusion again, perhaps keep in a “maybe” folder and evaluate again once you have completed your review