To quickly determine if an article will be useful, which aspect of the article is MOST helpful?

The abstract of an article serves as a concise summary of the entire study, encapsulating the primary objectives, methodologies, results, and conclusions in a brief format. It allows readers to quickly gauge the relevance of the article to their specific needs without having to delve into the full text immediately. By reviewing the abstract, one can determine if the content addresses the research question or topic of interest, making it a highly effective tool for evaluating the potential usefulness of an article.

In contrast, while the conclusion summarizes the outcomes and implications of the research, it may not provide sufficient context about how the research was conducted or its relevance. Methodology details the design and approach taken in the research, which is essential for assessing the validity of the findings but is less efficient for a quick overview. The discussion usually expands on the implications and significance of the findings but requires more time to read and comprehend fully. Therefore, the abstract is the most effective starting point for quickly assessing an article's usefulness.