1. Browse recent articles by looking at the magazine section of the ARC. You can also search for articles on line. Possible magazine of interest include: Time, Newsweek, Wired, Men's/Women's Health, National Geographic.
2. Find the original research article in the EBSCO health resources database.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER ABOUT THE ARTICLES
1. For the Magazine article: (15 points)
Give the title, author, and date of publication. (1pt. each)
Give a sentence or two that summarizes the scientific findings reported. (3 pts.)
Describe any figures or tables that accompany the article. (1 pt. if applicable)
Does the article include responses from the scientific community? Explain. (3 pts. if applicable).
Does this article give you enough information to evaluate whether or not the results are likely to be replicable? Explain. (5 pts.)
2. For the peer-reviewed article: (20 points)
Give the citation in the sample scientific format provided in the handout: authors’ surnames and initials, date, title, journal, volume, pages. (4 pts.)
Devote a sentence to each figure and table, explaining the results that are presented. (8 pts.)
How many references are cited by the article? (2 pts.)
Would you recommend this article to a friend who is a non-biologist? Explain. (6pts.)
December 14th only: How will you judge the scientific validity of information you encounter on the web or in secondary sources? (5 points)
January 15th only: In choosing between pdf and full text for viewing scientific articles, which format is better for printing? Which is easier to read on the screen? ( 5 points)
February 12th only: Choose what you think is the most significant figure in the peer reviewed article. Write at least 4 sentences explaining the figure and why you think it is the most significant in the article.
Due dates: December 14th, January 15th and February 12th. Your assignments must be typed and include a copy of the NYT article and the actual article.
Value of the assignments:
December: Since this is your first one, it will count as a homework
January: This will count as a quiz
February: This will count as a test.
You can work alone or in groups of up to three. Only one assignment per group.
