This module, we discussed what makes quality research. Peruse your current news feed from your favorite social media account (if you do not use social medi

1. SENSATIONALISED HEADLINES Headlines of articles are commonly designed to entice viewers into clicking on and reading the article. At best, they over-simplify the findings of research. At worst, they sensationalise and mis­ represent them.

2. MISINTERPRETED RESULTS News articles sometimes distort or misinterpret the findings of research for the sake of a good story, intentionally or otherwise. If possible, try to read the original research, rather than relying on the article based on it for information.

3. CONFLICT OF INTERESTS Many companies employ scientists to carry out and publish research – whilst this does not necessarily invalidate research, it should be analysed with this in mind. Research can also be misrepresented for personal or financial gain.

4. CORRELATION Et CAUSATION Be wary of confusion of correlation & causation. Correlation between two variables doesn't automatically mean one causes the other. Global warming has increased since the 1800s, and pirate numbers decreased, but lack of pirates doesn't cause global warming.

5. SPECULATIVE LANGUAGE ()

Speculations from research are just that – speculation. Be on the look out for words such as 'may', 'could', 'might', and others, as it is unlikely the research provides hard evidence for any conclusions they precede.

6. SAMPLE SIZE TOO SMALL In trials, the smaller a sample size, the lower the confidence in the results from that sample. Conclusions drawn should be considered with this in mind, though in some cases small samples are unavoidable. It may be cause for suspicion if a large sample was possible but avoided.

7. UNREPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES In human trials, researchers will try to select individuals that are representative of a larger population. If the sample is different from the population as a whole, then the conclusions may well also be different.

8. NO CONTROL GROUP USED In clinical trials, results from test subjects should be compared to a 'control group' not given the substance being tested. Groups should also be allocated randomly. In general experiments, a control test should be used where all variables are controlled.

9. NO BLIND TESTING USED To prevent any bias, subjects should not know if they are in the test orthe control group. In double­ blind testing, even researchers don't know which group subjects are in until after testing. Note, blind testing isn't always feasible, or ethical.

10. 'CHERRY-PICKED' RESULTS This involves selecting data from experiments which supports the conclusion of the research, whilst ignoring those that do not. If a research paper draws conclusions from a selection of its results, not all, it may be cherry-picking.

11. UNREPLICABLE RESULTS Results should be replicable by independent research, and tested over a wide range of conditions (where possible) to ensure they are generalisable. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence – that is, much more than one independent study!

12. JOURNALS Et CITATIONS Research published to major journals will have undergone a review process, but can still be flawed, so should still be evaluated with these points in mind. Similarly, large numbers of citations do not always indicate that research is highly regarded .

• 2014 COMPOUND INTEREST – WWW.COMPOUNDCHEM.COM L@l<[92+W,J

Discussion Post Rubric 20 Possible Points

Category 4 Points 2 Points 0 Points

Length of Post – Enough content to convey a scholarly message

The author’s post consisted of 150 – 200 words (Not counting reference citations)

The author’s post consisted of 100-149 words (Not counting reference citations)

The author’s post consisted of 100 words or less (Not counting reference citations)

Grammar, Usage, Spelling – The author proofread using software for obvious errors in grammar, usage, and spelling

The author’s post contained less than 2 grammar, usage, or spelling errors.

The author’s post contained 3-4 grammar, usage, or spelling errors.

The author’s post contained more than 5 grammar, usage, or spelling errors and proofreading was not apparent.

Referencing and Utilizing Outside Sources – The author referenced all assigned readings and (1) unique reference

The author posted a unique reference from a peer-reviewed document AND all the assigned readings.

The author was missing a unique reference from a peer-reviewed document or did not cite all the assigned readings.

The author neither used a unique reference from a peer-reviewed document and/or did not cite all the assigned readings.

Promotes Discussion – The author produces content beyond a summary and applies it to a logical argument.

The author’s post clearly responds to the assignment prompt, develops ideas cogently, organizes them logically, and supports them through empirical writing. The author’s post also raises questions or stimulates discussion.

The author’s post responds to the assignment prompt but relies heavily on definitional explanations and does not create and develop original ideas and support them logically. The author’s post may stimulate some discussion.

The author’s post does not correspond with the assignment prompt, mainly discusses personal opinions, irrelevant information, or information is presented with limited logic and lack of development and organization of ideas Does not support any claims made.

Demonstrates Application – The author is able to apply content to an example or real world application

The author’s post clearly demonstrates application and relationship to the week’s assigned reading/topic.

The author’s post refers to the assigned topic/reading tangentially but does not demonstrate application.

The author’s post does not demonstrate application of the week’s assigned topic/reading.

Be advised, there are also response costs associated with specific behaviors:

● A response cost of 3 points will be administered for not responding to a peer’s post ● A response cost of 3 points will be administered for late submissions (up to 2 days) ● Discussion posts that are more than two days late will not be accepted unless excused by the

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