Write the actual question
Start with the outcome, setting and period studied. A narrow question helps you see whether the evidence addresses the claim you are interested in. Read the abstract for orientation, then find where the paper defines the data and its sample rather than relying on the abstract alone.
Build a small reading card
Keep the same fields for every paper so comparisons remain explicit.
- Research question and proposed relationship.
- Data source, observation unit and sample period.
- Outcome and explanatory-variable definitions.
- Comparison or identification strategy.
- Reported estimate and uncertainty.
- Limitations stated by the authors.
Distinguish result and extension
Mark a statement as the paper’s reported finding or as your own interpretation. A relationship observed in one country and period may not describe another setting. A useful reading note explains what the study measured and what would need checking before applying the result more widely.
