Research Literacy

• Locate printed and online articles from the professional scientific literature
• Read and interpret data in the professional scientific literature
• Write a review of scientific literature in the area of interest
• Critically assess relevance and procedures of primary research

 

Experimental Design

• Develop a research plan in the area of interest
• Identify and develop testable hypotheses
• Understand the significance of relevant variables, controls, materials, and overall experimental design
• Explain and perform analytical procedures in the area of interest

 

Data Collection/Analysis

• Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to data collection in the area of interest
• Summarize and present data in an appropriate format using statistical software such as Excel
• Interpret and evaluate data as supporting or refuting the hypothesis proposed
• Maintain organized lab/field notebook

 

Sharing Results

• Write, present and publicly defend a research proposal
• Summarize key points of research concisely and clearly using PowerPoint software
• Prepare a research poster to be displayed in a public presentation
• Write a final research proposal/report

 

Relevance and Impact of Research

• Connect primary research to everyday problem solving
• Evaluate the ethical implications of research and acknowledge limitations of research
• View problems using a whole system approach that incorporates various fields of inquiry
• Apply critical thinking skills outside of the classroom

 

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