Final Project Guidelines

One way to understand the scientific method and research is to read specific research articles. For your final project, you will read one of the major research articles posted on Blackboard (see the Final Projects tab), writing a 3-page paper to respond to the following points/questions:

1. Summarize the main ideas of the research: What course topic does this relate to? Who were the research participants? What was the research method? What are the potential strengths or weaknesses that come from studying this group of people in this way? You will be evaluated based on how thoroughly you answer each of the previous questions. The first page of your paper should address this.

2. Explain how closely the research findings relate to the topic as we discussed it in class. How did your textbook discuss this topic? What about our course slides? Have you read or watched other resources that you can use to evaluate the article? For at least one page of your paper, compare and contrast the research findings to your textbook and lecture material.

3. Apply the research results: How do the findings specific to this article relate to your life? In what ways can you use them? Give specific, detailed examples relating to your current life, future career, or both. This should take up the remainder of your 3-page limit.