How can you read scientific articles effectively and efficiently?

Here are some tips on how to best read scientific articles:

Before you dive in:

Identify your purpose: Are you looking for a specific piece of information, evaluating the overall quality of the research, or gaining a broad understanding of the field? Defining your goal will help you focus your reading.
Familiarize yourself with the journal and field: Different journals have varying levels of technicality and expectations. Understanding the field will help you anticipate the terminology and concepts used.

During your reading:

Don't read linearly: Instead, adopt a "PQRST" approach:
- P: Preview: Skim the abstract, introduction, and conclusion to get a general sense of the article.
- Q: Question: Formulate questions based on your purpose (e.g., what is the research question, are the methods sound, what are the key findings?).
- R: Read: Focus on sections relevant to your questions, paying close attention to methods, results, and discussion.
- S: Suss out: Identify key points, supporting evidence, and limitations.
- T: Think and synthesize: Reflect on the overall message, consider its implications, and compare it to your existing knowledge.
Be actively engaged: Don't passively consume information. Take notes, highlight key points, and write down questions that arise.
Consult external resources: Look up unfamiliar terms, delve deeper into cited references, and explore related articles for a richer understanding.

After reading:

Summarize the article in your own words: This solidifies your comprehension and helps you identify key takeaways.
Evaluate the research: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology, the validity of the conclusions, and the overall contribution to the field.
Connect the article to your own work: How does this research inform your current projects or spark new ideas?