How to read and understand a scientific paper: a guide for non-scientists
Step-by-Step Instructions for Reading a Primary Research Article
1. Begin by reading the introduction, not the abstract.
2. Identify the big question.
3. Summarize the background in five sentences or less.
4. Identify the specific question(s).
5. Identify the approach.
6. Read the methods section.
7. Read the results section.
8. Determine whether the results answer the specific question(s).
9. Read the conclusion/discussion/interpretation section.
10. Go back to the beginning and read the abstract.
11. Find out what other researchers say about the paper.
Stephen
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