Written Assignment 1: Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

13672Course Outcomes Addressed
• Use biological principles and the scientific method to ask and answer questions about the human body.
• Weigh and make healthrelated decisions based on the value and limits of scientific knowledge and the scientific method.
What You’ll Do
1. Choose one topic from the article options.
2. Read the ScienceDaily article (secondary source) and, as needed, the linked primary peerreviewed article.
3. Write a 500–750 word paper that: traces the scientific method, critiques the study, and explains why it matters globally and to you.
4. Format in APA, then upload to the Assignment folder by the due date.
Tip: Revisit the Scientific Method Tutorial in the Science Learning Center (Content area) before you start.
Primary vs. Secondary
Primary research article: authors run the study and report original findings. Secondary article: summarizes or reports on someone else’s research (e.g., ScienceDaily). In this assignment, you’ll use the secondary article to help you trace the steps of the scientific method in the primary article.
Vaccines & Autism Risk
ScienceDaily Risk of autism is not increased by ‘too many vaccines too soon’ (2013). ScienceDaily.
Primary DeStefano, F., Price, C. S., & Weintraub, E. S. (2013). Increasing exposure to antibodystimulating proteins and polysaccharides in vaccines is not associated with risk of autism. The Journal of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.02.001
Use the ScienceDaily piece to orient yourself, and the primary study for details you need to identify methods, variables, and results.
What to Include in Your Paper
1) Trace the Scientific Method 50 points
• Observations: What did researchers notice first?
• Hypothesis (in your own words): Use the If …, then … format if helpful.
• Experimental Design: Identify control vs. treatment group(s); independent vs. dependent variables.
• Results & Conclusion: Summarize what was found and what it means.
2) Critique the Research
Address at least two:
• Were subjects and treatments appropriate?
• Was the sample size large enough?
• Were the methods appropriate?
• Possible sources of bias?
• Limits of the conclusions?
3) Relevance to the World & to You
• Why does this research matter for public health or society?
• How might it inform your own choices or views?
4) Mechanics & APA
• Clear writing: grammar, spelling, sentence/paragraph construction.
• APA intext citations and reference list. (UMGC APA Tutorial)
Format & Submission
• Length: 500–750 words (not including title page or references).
• References: At least two (ScienceDaily article + primary journal article).
• Quotations: Less than 10%; paraphrase in your own words.
• Paper structure: Title page, Introduction, body sections for requirements above, Conclusion, References.
• Submit to the Assignment folder by the due date in the course schedule.
• Originality: Checked by Turnitin. Review your report and revise if needed before the deadline.
• Grading: See rubric in the Assignments folder
Submission Checklist
• I chose ONE article option.
• I traced the scientific method (observations, hypothesis, design, results, conclusion).
• I wrote a critique with at least two points (e.g., methods, sample size, bias, limits).
• I explained why the research matters (world + personal).
• 500–750 words; <10% direct quotes; APA intext + references (≥2).
• I submitted to the Assignment folder and checked my Turnitin report.