Biology journal assignment in APA format

BIO 119 – Biology for Health Professionals

Journal Assignment

The assignment is worth 60 points (39 drafts/21 final)

This is an INDIVIDUAL assignment!

The objective of this assignment is to provide you with experience in evaluating scientific research papers. The abilities to understand and critically analyze the results of a scientific journal article are critical in the healthcare field. For this assignment, you will evaluate how the scientific method has been applied in a peer-reviewed journal article.

You will complete this assignment in four sections (39 points) and then submit a final revised paper (21 points). Due dates for all components are listed on your syllabus – do not forget!! Every section is graded and details are explained below and in the rubric.

For this assignment, you are required to provide a summary of the scientific method as it was presented by the journal authors. Refer to the following information when completing your paper.

Format:

- The paper shall be about 2-4 pages in length, double-spaced, and 12-font type.

Include your name at the top right hand corner of the first page.
Title: The title should be centered at the top of the first page of your paper, single-spaced, in 12-font type. Choose a title that concisely explains the topic of your paper.
A title page is not required.

Grammar and spelling:
The paper shall be written with proper grammar and free of spelling errors. Use spell check, and carefully read your paper prior to turning it in. ½ point will be deducted for each spelling or grammatical error.

Evaluation of Scientific Method and Research:

Identify and describe the following components of the scientific method in the body of your paper:

Section 1: Definitions and Observations (8 points)

Definition of Terms and Concepts: Define any important terms and concepts so that the reader understands the topic of the journal article. You will likely need to reference additional sources of information. Make sure you properly cite the source(s) of your information.
Observations and Previous Studies: Describe the observations that led the authors to conduct this study. This information can usually be found in the background information and discussion sections of the article. Describe at least one previous study that led the authors to investigate the current topic.
Question: In your own words, state the question that the authors are trying to answer in their experiment. The question should be specific enough that it leads to the framing of a good hypothesis. This should be written in the form of a question.

Section 2: Hypothesis and Experimental Design (10 points)

Hypothesis: State the hypothesis provided by the authors of the article. Make sure that you identify the statement as the hypothesis (i.e., “The hypothesis is…”). The hypothesis should be written in your own words. It should be specific and written in the proper format.
Experiment: Describe the experiment as it is outlined in the journal article. The following components must be included:
Independent variable: State the independent variable.
Dependent variable: State the dependent variable.
Controlled (constant) variables: List the controlled variables used by the authors during the experiment.
Control and experimental groups: Identify the control and experimental groups.
Description of experiment and data collection: Describe the steps of the experiment. Include a description of how data and results were collected. You will need to cite the journal article as the source for the details.

Section 3: Summary and Interpretation of Results (12 points)
This section requires that you read the article, summarize the results with specific details from graphics in the paper, and explain the results of the study. This section will be 1 – 3 paragraphs long, depending on the paper. This section must contain the following:

Summary of results: Describe the results of the authors’ experiment for each dependent variable. Be specific and include examples of the qualitative and/or quantitative results. Compare and contrast the results of the control and experimental groups.
Reference to graphic: Choose one results table, graph, or diagram from the paper and refer to it during your summary of results. The graphic must describe results, NOT the experimental design nor the demographics of the subjects.
Explain what information is being presented in the graphic. This information is often found in the title of the graphic and/or the caption.
Describe the results presented in the graphic. Give SPECIFIC examples of quantitative and/or qualitative data presented in the graphic. Cite your journal article as the source of this data.
Explain what the results presented in the graphic mean in detail.
Explanation of results: Explain the results as if you were explaining them to a patient or family member. Interpret and summarize them in lay person’s language. What is the significance and health/medical application of this study? Write this as if you are actually explaining to the patient.
Analysis of hypothesis: Discuss whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted. Why or why not?

Section 4: Discussion (9 points)

Discuss the validity and future implications of the research. You should discuss at least two of the following points. You must cite outside sources to support your statements.

Was the experiment designed and conducted according to proper scientific method? Give specific examples of how it did or did not follow the scientific method.
Are the authors’ results supported by or in opposition to research conducted by other scientists?
What additional research or experimentation is needed? What would you recommend to further investigate this topic?
What are the implications of this research (i.e., what is its use in the “real world?”)? How does this research add to the basic field of study or to the disease process specifically?

Additional Resources:

Additional resources are required in this paper. They may be helpful in understanding the observations (background) and analyzing the results of the experiments. An additional source is required for both of your discussion points. Additional resources must be cited in the paper and reference page.

Citations within paper (in-text or parenthetical citations):

You must provide proper citation of all references (including your article) throughout the paper. In-text citations tell the reader where paraphrased or quoted information came from.

Paraphrasing is putting the ideas from a resource in your own words. When paraphrasing, it is not sufficient to change only one word of a sentence! See me if you are unclear on how to paraphrase. If you copy word-for-word from a resource, you must put the quoted (word-for-word) material in quotation marks. The majority of the paper should be in your own words or paraphrasing, not direct quotations from resources.

Follow APA style for in-text citations. Refer to the APA Citation Guide and the following HCC webpage for more information on how to cite sources within the body of your paper: http://www.harford.edu/library/citation_resources/style_guides/apaintext.pdf

Failure to appropriately cite resources within the body of your paper or to include quotation marks around any word-for-word quotations will be considered plagiarism. Plagiarism may result in loss of points and possibly a zero for the assignment.

http://www.harford.edu/library/tutorials/captivate_tutorials/apa.htm provides a tutorial on how to create a reference page and how to cite sources within your paper. You should complete this tutorial as part of your preparations for this assignment. Additional APA citation information can be found at http://www.harford.edu/library/citation_resources/ and at http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/basics-tutorial.aspx

Reference Page:

This reference page will include the citation for the source of the article and for all sources consulted. Follow APA style for the citations. Use the APA Citation Guide on Blackboard to complete your reference page and in-text citations.

Name:

Draft Section 1: Definitions of Terms and Concepts, Observations, Previous Studies, Question (8 points):

	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Definition of Terms and Concepts	The paper defines terms and concepts necessary for understanding the experiment.	The paper defines few key terms and concepts.	The paper defines few key terms and concepts and/or the information is inaccurate.	The paper fails to define key terms and concepts.
Observations and Previous Studies	The paper describes the observations and previous studies that led the authors to conduct this study.	The paper does not completely describe both the observations and previous studies.	The description of the observation and previous studies is incomplete or inaccurate.	The paper fails to describe any observations or previous studies.
Question	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper states the question that the authors are trying to answer.	The paper fails to state the question that the authors are trying to answer.
In-text Citations	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All information is appropriately cited in APA format.	In-text citations are absent or cited incorrectly.

Draft Section 2: Hypothesis and Experiment (10 points) Name: ____________________________

	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Hypothesis	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The hypothesis is stated in the correct format.	The hypothesis is missing or is not stated in the correct format.
Independent Variable	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The independent variable is described.	The independent variable is missing or is incorrect.
Dependent Variable	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The dependent variable is stated.	The dependent variable is missing or is incorrect.
Controlled (Constant) Variables	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Controlled variables are stated.	Controlled variables are missing, incorrect, or incomplete.
Control and Experimental Groups	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper identifies the control and experimental groups.	The paper does not identify the control and experimental groups.
Description of Experiment	The paper thoroughly describes the steps of the experiment. It describes how the control and experimental groups were treated.	The description of the steps of the experiment and how the control and experimental groups were treated is incomplete.	The paper fails to describe either the steps of the experiment OR how control and experimental groups were treated.	Description of experiment and how control and experimental groups were treated is missing.
Experiment: Data Collection	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper describes how data was collected.	The paper does not describe how data was collected.
In-text Citations	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All information is appropriately cited in APA format.	In-text citations are absent.

Draft Section 3: Interpretation and Summary of Results (12 points)

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________

	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Summary of Results	Results are completely described for each dependent variable. Differences between the control and experimental groups are described.	Description of results is mostly complete. Some differences between the control and experimental groups are described.	Description of results for each dependent variable and between the control and experimental groups is incomplete or inaccurate.	Description of results is missing.
Graphic Explanation	As part of the summary, the paper refers to a graphic and: 1) describes what type of information is presented in the graphic; 2) provides and explains example data; 3) explains the overall meaning of information in the graphic.	The paper fails to thoroughly address one of the required points.	The paper fails to thoroughly address two of the required points.	The paper fails to describe a graphic.
Explanation of Results	The results are explained in a manner that could be easily understood by a patient. Description demonstrates an excellent understanding of the results and their application in health care.	The results are explained in a manner that could be understood by a patient. Description demonstrates an adequate understanding of the results and their application in health care.	The results are not explained in a manner that could be easily understood by a patient. Description demonstrates poor or inaccurate knowledge of the results and/or does not address their application in health care.	The explanation is missing.
Analysis of Hypothesis		The paper states if the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the data and why.	The paper states whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the data but does not explain why.	The paper does not analyze if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
In-text Citations	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All information is appropriately cited in APA format.	In-text citations are absent.

Draft Section 4: Discussion and References (9 points) Name: _________________________________

	3 Points	2 Points	1 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Discussion:	The paper includes a discussion of the validity and future implications of the research. Two of the following points are thoroughly and accurately discussed: 1) Was the experiment designed and conducted according to proper scientific method? 2) Are the authors’ results supported by or in opposition to research conducted by other scientists? 3) What additional research or experimentation is needed? 4) What are the implications of the research (i.e., what is its use in the “real world”)?				N/A
The discussion of the first point demonstrates careful consideration and thoughtful analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	The discussion of the first point demonstrates an average analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	Appears discussion was written with little thought or purpose. Minimal effort put into addressing required components.	Discussion of first point is inaccurate or missing.
The discussion of the second point demonstrates careful consideration and thoughtful analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	The discussion of the second point demonstrates an average analysis of the topic with use of minimal additional resources as necessary.	Appears discussion was written with little thought or purpose. Minimal effort put into addressing required components.	Discussion of second point is inaccurate or missing.
Additional Resources	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	At least one additional resource is used for the paper.	No additional resources were used in the paper.
In-text Citations	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All information is appropriately cited.	In-text citations are absent or incorrectly cited.
Reference Page	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All sources are cited in the reference page using the correct APA format.	The reference page is absent or incorrectly cited.

Final Paper: Submit revisions from all drafts (21 points) Name: ____________________________

	2 Points	1.5 Points	1 Points	0.5 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Format	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper is formatted according to instructions.	The paper is not formatted according to instructions.
Grammar and Spelling (½ point deduction for each error)	The work is written in proper English and uses proper grammatical structure and correct spelling. Work effectively communicates ideas. There are no spelling or grammatical errors.	The work is written in mostly proper English. Some grammatical and/or spelling errors are present. Work effectively communicates ideas. (One error.)	The work is written in proper English and uses proper grammatical structure and correct spelling. Work effectively communicates ideas. (2 errors.)	The work is written in mostly proper English. Some grammatical and/or spelling errors are present. Work effectively communicates ideas. (3 errors.)	The work is written in poor English and poor grammatical structure. Spelling errors may be present. Work does not effectively communicate ideas. (4 or more errors.)
Definitions of Terms and Concepts	Not applicable.	The paper defines terms and concepts necessary for understanding the experiment.	The paper defines few key terms and concepts.	The paper defines few key terms and concepts and/or the information is inaccurate.	The paper fails to define key terms and concepts.
Observations and Previous Studies	Not applicable.	The paper describes the observations and previous studies that led the authors to conduct this study.	The paper does not completely describe both the observations and previous studies.	The description of the observation and previous studies is incomplete or inaccurate.	The paper fails to describe any observations or previous studies.
Question	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper states the question that the authors are trying to answer.	The paper fails to state the question that the authors are trying to answer.
Hypothesis	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The hypothesis is stated in correct format.	The hypothesis is missing or is not stated in correct format.
Independent Variable	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The independent variable is described.	The independent variable is missing or is incorrect.
Dependent Variable	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The dependent variable is stated.	The dependent variable is missing or is incorrect.
Controlled (Constant) Variables	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Controlled variables are stated.	Controlled variables are missing, incorrect, or incomplete.
Control and Experimental Groups	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper identifies the control and experimental groups.	The paper does not identify the control and experimental groups.
Description of Experiment	Not applicable.	The paper thoroughly describes the steps of the experiment. It describes how the control and experimental groups were treated.	The description of the steps of the experiment and how the control and experimental groups were treated is incomplete.	The paper fails to describe either the steps of the experiment OR how control and experimental groups were treated.	Description of experiment and how control and experimental groups were treated is missing.
	2 Points	1.5 Points	1 Points	0.5 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Experiment: Data Collection	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper describes how data was collected.	The paper does not describe how data was collected.
Summary of Results	Not applicable.	Results are completely described for each dependent variable. Differences between the control and experimental groups are described.	Description of results is mostly complete. Some differences between the control and experimental groups are described.	Description of results for each dependent variable and between the control and experimental groups is incomplete or inaccurate.	Description of results is missing.
Graphic Explanation	Not applicable.	As part of the summary, the paper refers to a graphic and: 1) describes what type of information is presented in the graphic; 2) provides and explains example data; 3) explains the overall meaning of information in the graphic.	The paper fails to thoroughly address one of the required points.	The paper fails to thoroughly address two of the required points.	The paper fails to describe a graphic.
Result Explanation	Not applicable.	The results are explained in a manner that could be easily understood by a patient. Description demonstrates an excellent understanding of the results and their application in health care.	The results are explained in a manner that could be understood by a patient. Description demonstrates an adequate understanding of the results and their application in health care.	The results are not explained in a manner that could be easily understood by a patient. Description demonstrates poor or inaccurate knowledge of the results and/or does not address their application in health care.	The explanation is missing.
Analysis of Hypothesis	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	The paper states if the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the data and why.	The paper states whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the data but does not explain why.	The paper does not analyze if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
	2 Points	1.5 Points	1 Points	0.5 Points	0 Points	Points Earned
Discussion:	The paper includes a discussion of the validity and future implications of the research. Two of the following points are discussed: 1) Was the experiment designed and conducted according to proper scientific method? 2) Are the authors’ results supported by or in opposition to research conducted by other scientists? 3) What additional research or experimentation is needed? 4) What are the implications of the research (i.e., what is its use in the “real world”)?
Point 1	The discussion of the first point demonstrates careful consideration and thoughtful analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	The discussion of the first point demonstrates an average analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	Appears discussion was written with little thought or purpose. Minimal effort put into addressing required components.	Discussion of first point is inaccurate or missing.
Point 2	The discussion of the second point demonstrates careful consideration and thoughtful analysis of the topic with use of additional resources as necessary.	The discussion of the second point demonstrates an average analysis of the topic with use of minimal additional resources as necessary.	Appears discussion was written with little thought or purpose. Minimal effort put into addressing required components.	Discussion of second point is inaccurate or missing.
Additional Resources	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	At least one additional resource is used for the paper.	No additional resources are used.
In-Text Citations	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All sources are cited in the text using the correct APA format.	In-text citations are absent or are formatted incorrectly.
Reference Page	Not applicable.	Not applicable.	All sources are cited in the reference page using the correct APA format.	Some sources are missing from the reference page or the incorrect format is used for citations.	Reference page is absent.