Begin with the actual question
Every paper answers a narrow question. Problems begin when readers generalize beyond that scope.
- Identify population, intervention, comparison, and outcome.
- Check whether the endpoint is clinical, behavioral, or surrogate.
- Note follow-up length before inferring long-term benefit.
Distinguish results from interpretation
Results are data points. Interpretation is a model of what those data might mean.
- Separate authors' conclusions from table-level outcomes.
- Watch for language that upgrades association into causation.
- Track confidence intervals to see how wide uncertainty remains.
Translate only what is decision-relevant
Practical use depends on effect size, burden, and fit with daily constraints.
- Prefer low-risk changes you can test for two to four weeks.
- Monitor one or two outcomes instead of changing many variables.
- Review with a clinician when conditions or medications are involved.
Context cue
A study is strongest when its methods, magnitude, and limits are read together.
"Evidence supports better decisions when boundaries are explicit."