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| Start by identifying the six sections typically found in any scientific paper and the information found in each.
| ABSTRACT: A brief summary of the study, including its purpose, approach, main findings, and interpretation of their significance. |
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| INTRODUCTION: Problem statement, including a summary of prior research in the same area as well as the objectives of the study. |
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| METHODS: The study design and procedures, with details of how any measurements were made or how calculations were used. |
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| RESULTS: Raw data, along with their statistical analysis. |
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| DISCUSSION: The author's interpretation of the data. Ideally, the author's interpretation of the data should be compared with the data and conclusions from other studies. It is important to keep in mind that the author's interpretation may not be valid. The reader should ask if citations in the paper corroborate the conclusions made by the author. Also, the reader needs to inquire whether the data in the study simulate real-life situations, and if the data outliers (the highs and lows that are eliminated in the statistical analysis) can be explained in some other way. |
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| REFERENCES: Full detail on any references or standards cited in the study. |
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9 questions you could ask yourself about the article:
Is there bias in the design?
Does the design represent real-life scenarios?
Are there appropriate control background measurements
Is the method referenced?
Are the conclusions valid?
Are the statistics appropriate?
How are key terms defined?
Has the scientific method been applied?
Is there reliance merely on anecdotes?
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