Evidence-based research articles incorporate a generally standard structure with generally standard sections. When you see all, or at least many, of these standard article sections, you can be reasonably confident that you're reading an evidence-based (original or primary) research article.
To ID an evidence-based research article, look for these standard sections...
All, or at least most, evidence-based research articles incorporate standard sections, or parts. Spotting these parts can help you identify such articles. These sections, or parts, with individual headings, include all or most of the following:
TITLE
AUTHOR / AUTHORS
ADDRESS / ADDRESSES (of institution where research was done)
ABSTRACT (an article summary)
INTRODUCTION (providing background on study)
METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION (including summary of conclusions, implications, etc.)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (those who made contributions)
REFERENCES (articles/works referenced in text)
TABLES and FIGURES
TABLE and FIGURE LEGENDS (to explain tables & figures)
For an excellent, in-depth explanation of these research article sections or parts, see:
Beth A. Fischer & Michael J. Zigmond. Components of a Research Article.
