SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Reading a research
paper 101
By:
Nada Ali Omar
IFMSA research trainer
IFMSA-Egypt RSDD GA 23/24
Research put simply
The process of systematic collection, analysis and
interpretation of data to answer a question or to solve a
problem.
How to read research?
How to read research?
How to read research?
Research articles; what are they?
So, now we’ve got a hand on a paper,
what’s our first step?
How to read research?
- Title
- Authors
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Acknowledgements
- References
- Patents
- Contributions
- IRB Statement
- Funding
- Informed Consent
- Data Availability
- Conflict of Interest
The Main Sections of Manuscripts Optional Sections
How to read research?
What do we want to get out of the paper?
General Reader: Someone from another field (or from the general public) who
wants to know what the study encomprises without getting to the nitty-gritty
details.
Speciality/Critical Reader: This is your field (be it you are a student or a
professional in that field), and you want to know how to exactly replicate the
study and to properly criticize it. This means you have to go through the details
and actually understand what the paper means to the field.
How to read research?
How to read research?
How to read research?
The Journal
Scimago [previously Scopus] Google Scholar metrics
How to read research?
Impact Factors
Impact Factors are used to measure the importance of a journal by
calculating the number of times selected articles are cited within the
last few years. The higher the impact factor, the more highly ranked the
journal.
Open Access
How to read research?
How to read research?
Title & Types of papers
Is the title relevant to me and what I’m looking for?
Types of articles
● Reviews
● Reports
● Primary research [Observational & Interventional]
● Systematic reviews & meta-analysis
● Letter to the author
● Editorial/ follow up study
● Conference report/abstract
How to read research?
Authors
First - last - corresponding
Are they all the same?
How to read research?
General Reader: Read the abstract only. Search
for the background (and the gap
the paper fills in the body of science), methods,
results, and conclusion.
Speciality/Critical Reader: Read the
introduction first then the abstract. Answer
two questions before you read the abstract like a
general reader:
(1) Why does this study exist? → The Problem
(2) How does the genius who wrote the paper
solve it?
Abstract
How to read research?
The Introduction
Let’s get to know each other
How to read research?
Like humans, papers have history, too
- Methods
Speciality/Critical Reader:
(1) Are the methods new? If so, what are their essential features and their usage
properties? Is there a totally new procedure involved? Know enough about it to
be able to replicate it on your own!
(2) Does the study apply to your patients? What are the characteristics of the
study participants?
(3) If applicable: How was the randomization and blinding made? What are the
“expected” implications of using these methods on the results?
Results - What did the authors find?
General Reader: Go for the data representation first (tables, graphs, drawings,
etc.). What is the relation between the variables measured? What does that tell
you? (Study Outcome)
Speciality/Critical Reader: Identify the follow-up trends in the participant data.
Are the negative trends justified by the authors? Could the study be improved
to reduce dropouts?
NOTE: The representations should give you a clear description of the study
outcome. If not, look for it in the text and write it down (for the discussion).
The Discussion
General Reader: You can skip the discussion if you are reading for interest.
Though you might need to read it to benefit from the study.
Cheat Tip: read the last paragraph of the discussion (aka the conclusion).
Speciality/Critical Reader: Describe in detail the message of the paper (the
answer to the question in the introduction), its critical assessment (evidence
reliability, methods’ limitations, flaws, and validity assumptions), its comparison
with other studies (justifications for inconsistencies), and what you concluded
from the author’s efforts (including recommendations).
References & Citations
Who did the authors get their data from to actually conduct the study?
Identify the references and check them using the CRAAP criteria:
(1) Currency
(2) Relevance
(3) Authority
(4) Accuracy
(5) Purpose
Beware the red flags: Don't get too carried away!
Before you decide to use a paper, figure out if the paper has any common flaws,
and look for any uncommon ones (relevant to your field or to the methods in
use).
The most common red flags are:
(1) Missing elements of the sections (subsection, unclear descriptions, etc.)
(2) Missing error bars or confidence intervals
(3) Unmentioned Weaknesses
(4) Research Misconduct
(5) Author Agenda
How to read research?
An easier way to do this..
Critical Appraisal
Reading a paper 101.pdf Reading a paper 101.pdf

More Related Content

Similar to Reading a paper 101.pdf Reading a paper 101.pdf

Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny RowleyReviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
Postgraduate Arts & Humanities Centre (PAHC), Manchester Metropolitan University
 
WriteTEL: Session2
WriteTEL: Session2WriteTEL: Session2
WriteTEL: Session2
nicwhitton
 
How to write great research papers
How to write great research papersHow to write great research papers
How to write great research papers
Khalid Hakeem
 
How to write a research paper?
How to write a research paper?How to write a research paper?
How to write a research paper?
PSA University of Rome
 
3. lecture 3 literature review & analytical framework development
3. lecture 3   literature review & analytical framework development3. lecture 3   literature review & analytical framework development
3. lecture 3 literature review & analytical framework development
Công Nguyễn
 
Introduction for scintfic writing
Introduction for scintfic writingIntroduction for scintfic writing
Introduction for scintfic writing
Nahid Sherbini
 
How toreadsciarticle
How toreadsciarticleHow toreadsciarticle
How toreadsciarticle
Dr. Mahfoudh Hussein Mgammal
 
Literature review belayet
Literature review belayetLiterature review belayet
Literature review belayet
Belayet Hossen
 
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
felicidaddinwoodie
 
Research methods l1 3
Research methods l1 3Research methods l1 3
Research methods l1 3
Kegesa Danvas A.
 
Scientific writing session 2
Scientific writing session 2Scientific writing session 2
Scientific writing session 2
Dr Rajeev Kumar
 
Detailed outline of Research Proposal
Detailed outline of  Research ProposalDetailed outline of  Research Proposal
Detailed outline of Research Proposal
janta multiple collage and Koshi saintjames collage
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
whmonkey
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
SoMezouar
 
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly HoganHow to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
LisaTania4
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
GiusyEnorraccam
 
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
WriteKraft Dissertations
 
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
WriteKraft Dissertations
 
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
WriteKraft Dissertations
 
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
WriteKraft Dissertations
 

Similar to Reading a paper 101.pdf Reading a paper 101.pdf (20)

Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny RowleyReviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
Reviewing a journal article - Professor Jenny Rowley
 
WriteTEL: Session2
WriteTEL: Session2WriteTEL: Session2
WriteTEL: Session2
 
How to write great research papers
How to write great research papersHow to write great research papers
How to write great research papers
 
How to write a research paper?
How to write a research paper?How to write a research paper?
How to write a research paper?
 
3. lecture 3 literature review & analytical framework development
3. lecture 3   literature review & analytical framework development3. lecture 3   literature review & analytical framework development
3. lecture 3 literature review & analytical framework development
 
Introduction for scintfic writing
Introduction for scintfic writingIntroduction for scintfic writing
Introduction for scintfic writing
 
How toreadsciarticle
How toreadsciarticleHow toreadsciarticle
How toreadsciarticle
 
Literature review belayet
Literature review belayetLiterature review belayet
Literature review belayet
 
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
1Week 5Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated B.docx
 
Research methods l1 3
Research methods l1 3Research methods l1 3
Research methods l1 3
 
Scientific writing session 2
Scientific writing session 2Scientific writing session 2
Scientific writing session 2
 
Detailed outline of Research Proposal
Detailed outline of  Research ProposalDetailed outline of  Research Proposal
Detailed outline of Research Proposal
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
 
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly HoganHow to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
How to read a scientific paper By Kelly Hogan
 
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.pptHow-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
How-to-read-a-scientific-paper.ppt
 
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing Service [www.writekraft.com]
 
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
 
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper [www.writekraft.com]
 
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
Research paper Writing [www.writekraft.com]
 

Recently uploaded

Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptxHistololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
AyeshaZaid1
 
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s PerspectivePGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
Golden Helix
 
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticalsacne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
MuskanShingari
 
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
ayushrajshrivastava7
 
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdfLocal anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
NarminHamaaminHussen
 
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
shruti jagirdar
 
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan PatroJune 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
Kanhu Charan
 
13. PROM premature rupture of membranes
13.  PROM premature rupture of membranes13.  PROM premature rupture of membranes
13. PROM premature rupture of membranes
TigistuMelak
 
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International TravelersTravel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
NX Healthcare
 
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdfMedical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
Jim Jacob Roy
 
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
Dr. Deepika's Homeopathy - Gaur City
 
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdfOphthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
MuhammadMuneer49
 
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
Université de Montréal
 
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and AntagonistPharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
Dr. Nikhilkumar Sakle
 
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdfPollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
Chulalongkorn Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group
 
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public HealthAgeing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
phuakl
 
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and SynonymsGiloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
Planet Ayurveda
 
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
MuskanShingari
 
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdfNAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
Rahul Sen
 
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
Torstein Dalen-Lorentsen
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptxHistololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptx
 
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s PerspectivePGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
PGx Analysis in VarSeq: A User’s Perspective
 
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticalsacne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
acne vulgaris -Mpharm (2nd semester) Cosmetics and cosmeceuticals
 
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
Full Handwritten notes of RA by Ayush Kumar M pharm - Al ameen college of pha...
 
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdfLocal anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
Local anesthetics 2024/ Medicinal Chemistry pdf
 
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS: GERIATRICS E7
 
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan PatroJune 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
June 2024 Oncology Cartoons By Dr Kanhu Charan Patro
 
13. PROM premature rupture of membranes
13.  PROM premature rupture of membranes13.  PROM premature rupture of membranes
13. PROM premature rupture of membranes
 
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International TravelersTravel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
Travel Clinic Cardiff: Health Advice for International Travelers
 
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdfMedical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
Medical Quiz ( Online Quiz for API Meet 2024 ).pdf
 
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
5 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Irregular Periods
 
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdfOphthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
Ophthalmic drugs latest. Xxxxxxzxxxxxx.pdf
 
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
“Psychiatry and the Humanities”: An Innovative Course at the University of Mo...
 
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and AntagonistPharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
Pharmacology of 5-hydroxytryptamine and Antagonist
 
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdfPollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
Pollen and Fungal allergy: aeroallergy.pdf
 
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public HealthAgeing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
Ageing, the Elderly, Gerontology and Public Health
 
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and SynonymsGiloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
Giloy in Ayurveda - Classical Categorization and Synonyms
 
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
Computer in pharmaceutical research and development-Mpharm(Pharmaceutics)
 
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdfNAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
NAVIGATING THE HORIZONS OF TIME LAPSE EMBRYO MONITORING.pdf
 
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
Physical demands in sports - WCSPT Oslo 2024
 

Reading a paper 101.pdf Reading a paper 101.pdf

  • 1. Reading a research paper 101 By: Nada Ali Omar IFMSA research trainer IFMSA-Egypt RSDD GA 23/24
  • 2. Research put simply The process of systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a question or to solve a problem. How to read research?
  • 3. How to read research?
  • 4. How to read research? Research articles; what are they?
  • 5. So, now we’ve got a hand on a paper, what’s our first step? How to read research?
  • 6. - Title - Authors - Abstract - Introduction - Methods - Results - Discussion - Acknowledgements - References - Patents - Contributions - IRB Statement - Funding - Informed Consent - Data Availability - Conflict of Interest The Main Sections of Manuscripts Optional Sections How to read research?
  • 7. What do we want to get out of the paper? General Reader: Someone from another field (or from the general public) who wants to know what the study encomprises without getting to the nitty-gritty details. Speciality/Critical Reader: This is your field (be it you are a student or a professional in that field), and you want to know how to exactly replicate the study and to properly criticize it. This means you have to go through the details and actually understand what the paper means to the field. How to read research?
  • 8. How to read research?
  • 9. How to read research? The Journal Scimago [previously Scopus] Google Scholar metrics
  • 10. How to read research? Impact Factors Impact Factors are used to measure the importance of a journal by calculating the number of times selected articles are cited within the last few years. The higher the impact factor, the more highly ranked the journal.
  • 11. Open Access How to read research?
  • 12. How to read research? Title & Types of papers Is the title relevant to me and what I’m looking for?
  • 13. Types of articles ● Reviews ● Reports ● Primary research [Observational & Interventional] ● Systematic reviews & meta-analysis ● Letter to the author ● Editorial/ follow up study ● Conference report/abstract How to read research?
  • 14. Authors First - last - corresponding Are they all the same? How to read research?
  • 15. General Reader: Read the abstract only. Search for the background (and the gap the paper fills in the body of science), methods, results, and conclusion. Speciality/Critical Reader: Read the introduction first then the abstract. Answer two questions before you read the abstract like a general reader: (1) Why does this study exist? → The Problem (2) How does the genius who wrote the paper solve it? Abstract How to read research?
  • 16. The Introduction Let’s get to know each other How to read research?
  • 17. Like humans, papers have history, too - Methods Speciality/Critical Reader: (1) Are the methods new? If so, what are their essential features and their usage properties? Is there a totally new procedure involved? Know enough about it to be able to replicate it on your own! (2) Does the study apply to your patients? What are the characteristics of the study participants? (3) If applicable: How was the randomization and blinding made? What are the “expected” implications of using these methods on the results?
  • 18. Results - What did the authors find? General Reader: Go for the data representation first (tables, graphs, drawings, etc.). What is the relation between the variables measured? What does that tell you? (Study Outcome) Speciality/Critical Reader: Identify the follow-up trends in the participant data. Are the negative trends justified by the authors? Could the study be improved to reduce dropouts? NOTE: The representations should give you a clear description of the study outcome. If not, look for it in the text and write it down (for the discussion).
  • 19. The Discussion General Reader: You can skip the discussion if you are reading for interest. Though you might need to read it to benefit from the study. Cheat Tip: read the last paragraph of the discussion (aka the conclusion). Speciality/Critical Reader: Describe in detail the message of the paper (the answer to the question in the introduction), its critical assessment (evidence reliability, methods’ limitations, flaws, and validity assumptions), its comparison with other studies (justifications for inconsistencies), and what you concluded from the author’s efforts (including recommendations).
  • 20. References & Citations Who did the authors get their data from to actually conduct the study? Identify the references and check them using the CRAAP criteria: (1) Currency (2) Relevance (3) Authority (4) Accuracy (5) Purpose
  • 21. Beware the red flags: Don't get too carried away! Before you decide to use a paper, figure out if the paper has any common flaws, and look for any uncommon ones (relevant to your field or to the methods in use). The most common red flags are: (1) Missing elements of the sections (subsection, unclear descriptions, etc.) (2) Missing error bars or confidence intervals (3) Unmentioned Weaknesses (4) Research Misconduct (5) Author Agenda How to read research?
  • 22. An easier way to do this.. Critical Appraisal