Step 1: Search the title at http://scholar.google.com. If a pdf or full-text is available, it will show up as a link on the right-hand side of the search result. This works to find full text for the majority of modern papers. Sometimes, there’s an option displayed below the search result to see “All X versions” of a paper, so if the first version doesn’t have a pdf showing, it’s worth checking the other versions.
If it doesn’t work, then…
Step 2: Create/log in to a free http://researchgate.net account, and search for the title. Sometimes the full text will already be there. If not, click the “Request full-text” button to request it from the author (and write them a nice note).
Unfortunately, ResearchGate may require an institutional email address or proof of having published prior research/being connected to scientific research (or, at least, a business email address at a company that conducts research) in order to create an account. Another option is to search Academia.edu, which sometimes has papers that ResearchGate doesn’t have (but the reverse is also true). Be warned, though, that these websites might end up sending you unwanted emails (although you should be able to unsubscribe from them).
If that doesn’t work, then…
Step 3: Go to the r/scholar subreddit and request the paper. Make sure to follow the Posting Guidelines.
Be sure to click the “Flair” button when posting to mark it as “Requesting.” And your post should start with one of these: [Article], [Book], [Chapter], [Supplement], [Thesis], [Standard], [Other], or [Meta]. For instance:
[Article] Meatless muscle growth: building muscle size and strength on a mycoprotein-rich vegan diet
And…
Of course, there is another approach that many people use, but that approach is controversial.
And if all of those methods fail, you can email one of the authors directly asking for a full-text copy (academics often have a personal website that provides their contact info).
This piece was first written on December 21, 2022, and first appeared on this site on July 18, 2023.
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