How to critically read and present scientific literature

1. Read the abstract first, then read the introduction

a. What is the purpose of the study?

b. Are there key references that should be read?

2. Read the results

a. This is the most important part of the paper and is supposed to be objectively written

b. Go over each of the figures carefully and provide detailed, critical analyses of each figure

c. DO NOT ACCEPT WHAT IS WRITTEN/PRESENTED, ALWAYS, ALWAYS QUESTION THE DATA!

3. Read the discussion

a. What message is the author trying to sell?

b. Are the interpretations/conclusions supported by the results?

c. Are there alternative explanations/interpretations?

4. Read the methods

a. Are there weaknesses in the methodology that potentially affect the interpretation of the results?

b. Was the design sound?

c. Was the methodology sound?

d. Were the statistical analyses performed properly?

5. Keep good notes and organize the notes for easy future referencing