How To Read a Scientific Paper

Here is a nice set of papers that discusses how to read science papers, specifically papers in medical science. Hat tip to mindhacks.com/.

A well educated person in today's world should be able to go to an original article and tell whether the authors used good methods in coming to their conclusions. A person should also be able to discern how strong the conclusion actually is, if valid, and in what settings it is likely to apply.

It is astounding how easily journalists in particular are misled by shoddy research. Since the general public gets most of its science news from journalists, the average voter is very poorly informed when it comes to assessing the usefulness of much taxpayer supported research. Likewise, the average juror in a product liability trial is completely incapable of understanding the arguments involved, unless he has taken the time to learn the basics.

When it comes to informed discussion on the internet, many people are similarly limited in what they can comprehend and contribute. The above link may be of use to anyone who wishes to improve their strategic positioning in an informed argument or discussion that utilises scientific research.