How to read a research paper - in style

Almost during ever assignment now, I have a new idea for a blog ! Because these are the times when you start looking at your life seriously, you start feeling like you have some knowledge that could really help the next generation ( alas ! the next generation doesn't want to read your advice ) Nevertheless , I'll do my part ...

One of the most important part of completing a Master's degree is reading tons of research papers day in and day out ! Literally hundreds per semester ( believe me ) Initially they'll be the most intimidating part of your life.But once you get the hang of it, you end up mentally provoking them by the proverbial ' Hit me with your best, I can take you down' attitude.

Now first, like any other sincere student, count the number of pages in the document, mentally preparing yourself to devote a (2*n/60) hours of continuous time slot to it. Where n is the total number of pages. Once this calculation is done, move on to the next important thing, subtract the number of pages containg diagrams and references and mentally smirk about the amount of work done in the first 15 secs. This should be motivation enough to continue. Next, start reading the abstract, and get a feel of what the topic of today's ordeal is ;). This part should be done most carefully, if this is your 2,3,4...nth paper on the topic then try and guess what the method in the paper may be.(This part is important because in case your guess is right, you get to pat yourself on the back and move onto to the next paper, otherwise you get to reason with yourself why one of your or his method is better or perhaps give you an idea for your very own shiny new research paper). Next, read the conclusion section. See if they actually achieved things they promised earlier. For the next step, I kind of like to look at the results, in case a tabular accuracy is given, to see what kind of results the paper achieved. In case they seem like they could use an improvement, I try to look at their method more critically. Next look at the previous works section. Look at (or mentally make a note of some paper that seems interesting) the various papers mentioned, use blah blah instead of the names( again, trust me... it gives you a kick :P). Phew, so now you are done with almost 40-60% of the paper. The most important 2 sections remain .... Actual method and Results. While reading the method, see if you can point out the Input data used, replace the method with a black box and look at the output.Then look at the accuracy. Then look at what the limitations of each step in the black box is. See if they have been properly addressed.If they are not, mock the researcher (after rechecking your initial stand and conforming it with someone else though).

Then reward yourself with a few episodes of big bang theory,eat some maggi and move onto the next 'promising' research paper.