How to read and understand a scientific paper: a guide for non-scientists. Update (1/3/18) I’ve been overwhelmed with requests for the shorter guide, and the email address below no longer works.
So I’ve uploaded a copy of the guide for anyone to download and share here: How to read and understand a scientific article. Please feel free to use it however you wish (although I’d appreciate being credited as the author). I apologize to everyone who emailed me and didn’t get a response! If you would like to let me know who you are and what you’re using it for in the comments below, I’d love to hear! Update (8/30/14): I’ve written a shorter version of this guide for teachers to hand out to their classes.