RESEARCH ANALYSIS #1 & #2
Directions
You will write two (2) Research Analyses. Each will be a 3 to 4 page critique of an empirical
research study that has been published in a peer-reviewed academic journal. The first will be a
practice Research Analysis that you will work on in small groups during class and then finish
on your own outside of class. The specific paper to be critiqued and the specific questions you
need to answer will be given to you by your instructor, and discussed extensively in class.
Therefore, it is imperative that you not miss the class periods that focus on this first Research
Analysis, as it will prepare you for your second Research Analysis, which you will need to do
on your own. For the second Research Analysis you will need to find your own peer-reviewed
paper, by first selecting a relevant topic from the list of suggested topics further down in this
packet. Furthermore, this article will be the same one that you will use for your class
presentation. The article must be turned in with your written assignment. Your instructor will
provide you with specific information on how to select a topic, how to find a worthwhile study
to analyze, and how to turn in your Research Analysis.
After the first practice analysis, you will receive student and instructor feedback on your
critical evaluation skills. Please use this feedback when preparing the second Research
Analysis.
Please see the greensheet for the due dates for the two different analyses. Late papers will
receive lower grades, so please be sure to turn your paper in on time.
Each student must do his/her own work; plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a
failing grade on the assignment and the student being reported to the Office of Student
Conduct and Ethical Development. Prior to grading, all papers will be scanned by
Turnitin.com. Your instructor will provide additional information regarding use of
turnitin.com.
Form and Style Guidelines
Your paper should:
• be written in narrative, paragraph format;
• be written in formal style-3rd person only (do not use 1st or 2nd person, such as “we”, “I” or
“you”);
•
•
•
•
•
•
NOT use direct quotes or copied material from a source. Instead, paraphrase the source
material using YOUR OWN WORDS and cite appropriately in APA format.
use past tense when describing the research;
be typed, double spaced, and 3-4 pages in length;
be in a font size that is Times New Roman 12 point or similar size (easy to read);
be left justified (do not right justify/align, which centers text) and have 1 inch margins;
be submitted according to your instructor’s directions. Some will require materials be
turned in on Canvas. Others will require materials be submitted in a plain file folder with
your name in the tab, a copy of your references in APA format, and the Grading Sheet and
Plagiarism Contract as the first page.
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Guidelines for Analyzing Research:
Be sure to consider the suggestions from lecture and the handout “How to Understand and
Interpret Food and Health-Related Scientific Studies” when analyzing the articles. Use the
questions on the next page as a guide to critically evaluate each section of the paper.
Research Analysis #1 & #2
Purpose: To understand how to critically read and analyze research articles.
**Your instructor will provide you with an article either on their web page or Canvas.
Directions
In a 3 to 4 page essay, answer all of the following questions based on the article provided:
1. What is the research problem? Another way to think about this is: Why was this
research conducted? (briefly describe & analyze)
2. What is/are the hypothesis/hypotheses stated by the author(s)? (briefly describe &
analyze)
3. A. Who were study participants (how many were there)? How were they recruited? B.
What were the inclusion/exclusion criteria? (briefly describe & analyze)
4. What was the study design? (briefly describe & analyze)
5. What were the results? (briefly describe & analyze)
6. Did the results support the authors’ hypothesis/hypotheses? Why or why not?
7. What was/were the limitation(s) and strength(s) discussed by the author(s)? (These are
usually in the Discussion/Conclusion section of the article.) List other strengths and
weaknesses you were able to identify that may not have been discussed by the
author(s).
8. A. What conclusion(s) did the author(s) make?
B. How can the research findings be applied? If no applications were suggested by the
authors, in third person describe how you think the findings could be applied. Based on
this study and past research discussed in the Introduction, what are directions for future
research?
Use your own words to discuss the answers using information from the article. DO NOT use
direct quotes or copied material from the article. Instead, paraphrase the source material using
YOUR OWN WORDS and cite appropriately in APA format. Do not include the questions.
Your paper should be written in paragraph form; it should NOT be a list of the questions and
your responses. Your paper should be submitted to turnitin.com to check for plagiarism.
Please check with your instructor for further instructions on how to turn in assignments.
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NUFS/KIN 163 GRADING CRITERIA
FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
“A” papers (receiving 90% or more of the total points) have the following characteristics:
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Carefully follow the content guidelines given by the instructor; answer all questions posed on
the critique outline;
Carefully follow the guidelines for format; which includes not exceeding by more than one-half
page the maximum double-spaced pages allowed;
Are written in standard English, at an upper division college level, with complete sentences and
appropriate paragraphs;
Are written in the student’s own words, without using direct quotes or copied material from the
source;
Are free of redundancies, and have, at most, only 2-3 spelling and/or grammatical errors;
Develop each section of the critique in a clear and logical fashion; have smooth transitions from
one sentence or idea to another;
Include insightful interpretation that goes beyond the obvious or what the authors disclosed;
Cover all of the major aspects of the assignment without going off track or padding;
Are turned in on the due date and prior to the start of lecture.
“B” papers (receiving 80-89% of the total points) usually differ from an “A” report in one or more of
the following ways:
• Show less care in following the guidelines;
• Have a few lapses in good writing;
• Have less than full clarity in expression of ideas and interpretations;
• Show some tendency to go off track, pad the paper or have redundancies;
• Are turned in one day or partial day (after the start of lecture) late.
“C” papers (receiving 70-79% of the total points) usually differ from an “A” paper in more than one of
the following ways:
• Show minimal care in following guidelines;
• Have more than a few lapses in good writing;
• Use some ambiguous descriptions in the analysis or interpretation;
• Go off track, pad the paper, or have redundancy in more than one instance;
• Are turned in two days after the due date
Papers less than “C” (receiving less than 70% of the total points) usually differ from an “A” paper in
more than one of the following ways:
• Do not follow guidelines;
• Are poorly written;
• Fail to interpret information correctly, or answer questions clearly;
• Frequently wander off track, are “padded” with extraneous information, or are redundant;
• Are turned in more than two days after the due date.
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Name _____________________________________
GRADING SHEET FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS
ATTACH THIS SHEET TO THE FRONT OF YOUR PAPER (IF REQUIRED)
CATEGORY
Followed directions,
originality report
obtained, format
Major flaws in
following directions,
format.
Followed some, but
not all directions;
and/or some
formatting errors.
Excellent format.
0-1
2-4
5
Major flaws in
writing, syntax,
spelling and/or
grammar
Some errors in
writing, syntax,
spelling and/or
grammar
Well written.
0-5
6-8
9-10
Possible Points
Writing, syntax, spelling,
grammar
Possible Points
Question 1 Stated
problem clearly.
Question 2 Described
hypothesis/research
question/goal clearly.
Question 3
Participants, inclusion,
exclusion criteria.
Question 4 Described
study design
Question 5 Described
results clearly.
Question 6 Results
relative to
hypothesis/research
question/goal.
Question 7
Limitations &
strengths described.
Question 8 Future
research; conclusions,
applications.
Subtotal
Poor; showed lack of
understanding
Average
Very good-excellent
Shows high level
understanding
0-1
2-3
4
0-2
3-4
5
0-1
1.5
2-3
0-2
3-4
5-6
0-2
3-4
5-6
0
1
2
0-1
1.5
2-3
0-2
3-4
5-6
5 points will be deducted for each calendar day or partial day late
Deductions
___________
Your Total
________
PLAGIARISM CONTRACT
I acknowledge that I have not committed plagiarism in the process of writing this paper. I have cited the
appropriate sources and given credit to the authors’ works. I also acknowledge that this paper is my own work and
that I have not plagiarized or received answers from fellow classmates or other students.
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I understand that plagiarism will result in a ZERO for the paper, and other possible academic sanctions, including
a report to the appropriate academic authorities.
Signature ______________________________Date ____________
GUIDELINES FOR ORAL PRESENTATION ON RESEARCH ANALYSIS #2
Using assigned specific topics, each group will be required to engage in a cooperative effort whereby
each individual in the group will be allowed approximately 5 to 6 minutes to lead a discussion on
his/her article (original research) related to the assigned topic. Each individual should present a
different side of the topic using a different journal article. Your instructor will assist you in determining
topics for your presentation. The presentation should go beyond the scope of the textbook. Students are
encouraged to use current topics in nutrition and exercise or controversial issues. Instructor approval is
needed (one week in advance) regarding the appropriateness of your article.
Preparation: Each student is required to review one original research article (primary reference), but
can also use textbooks for additional background and support. Information from this article must be
incorporated into the presentation, and all reference(s) must be cited by authors’ last names and year of
publication during the presentation. Each student in the group will present a different study dealing
with a unique aspect of the overall topic. When possible, a variety of opinions should be presented.
Presentation
• The presentation should include an evaluation (critique) of the research article, including the
purpose of the research, methodology, results, conclusions, limitations, and applications to the
“real” world. Compare and contrast studies. Students are encouraged to evaluate studies that
provide differing results. Students should be creative and use any or all of the following in their
presentations: demonstrations, visual aides (overheads, charts, handouts), and other techniques to
inform and interest the class. Place your requests for University audiovisual equipment at least 7
days before your presentation. If using PowerPoint, bring presentation on a memory stick.
• The instructor, as well as other students, will pose questions to the group after the presentation.
Discussion of the presentation can help to assess the class knowledge of the presented material.
Material in these oral presentations will then be tested in class exams.
• The group should collaborate on an introduction to the topic, as well as a conclusion that provides a
summary and “take home message.”
Paper: Each student will provide a paper (typed) to the instructor prior to the presentation, along with
the appropriate grading sheet. This paper serves as “RESEARCH ANALYSIS #2” and should follow
the same format and instructions used for the first Research Analysis. This paper will be corrected
separately from the presentation and returned to students.
Evaluation of the oral presentation will be based on the following: (see rubric on p. 8)
1. Presentation skills (including adherence to time guidelines; organization of
presentation/preparedness; effectiveness of oral presentation (e.g., delivered without excessive
reliance on notes); and effective use of visual aids/ability to interest audience).
2. Ability to critically evaluate scientific research;
3. Ability to define/demonstrate practical application of the material;
4. Appropriateness of nutrition/fitness article;
5. Ability to compare & contrast article with other articles in group/contribution to group
summary & conclusions.
This assignment is worth a total of 50 points and grades will be assigned as follows:
1. Up to 25 points for each individual contribution
2. Up to 25 points as a group grade (the group grade will be the average percentage of the sum of
the individual grades)
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SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR NUTRITION PRESENTATIONS
Please choose from this list or choose your own topic (approved by instructor)
LIPIDS/FAT
Possible sub-topics
• Dietary fat recommendations/needs for children (< 2 yr olds), elderly
• Dietary fat and risk for various cancers
• Omega-3 fatty acid (linolenic acid) and treatment or prevention of diseases
• Fat replacements used in the food industry
PROTEIN and AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS
Possible sub-topics
• Whey protein supplements for weight (muscle) gains
• Glutamine and the immune system and/or muscle recovery in athletes
• Creatine supplementation: effects on strength performance OR effects on endurance performance
• Nitrogen balance studies in determining protein needs for athletes
• Branched-chain amino acids and exercise performance
DRUGS, SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS FOR WEIGHT CONTROL
Possible sub-topics:
• Evaluate hydroxycitrate supplement for weight loss
• Evaluate chromium supplements for weight loss
• Evaluate pyruvate supplements for weight loss
• Evaluate/review the “Phen-Fen” drugs
• Evaluate/review the over-the-counter drug phenylpropanolamine, Alli, etc.
• Evaluate ephedrine (ephedra), EGCG, ginseng or Hoodia and weight loss
DISORDERED EATING ISSUES and OBESITY
Possible sub-topics
• Eating disorders: case studies, adverse complications, therapies, etc.
• Childhood obesity: prevalence, causes, and treatment
• Research in the area of obesity and genetics
• Adult obesity
VITAMINS & MINERALS IN HEALTH
Possible sub-topics
• Vitamin E’s role in reducing risk of heart disease or cancer
• Zinc and the common cold
• Folic acid deficiency and birth defects
• Folic acid, B6, and/or B12’s role in preventing heart disease
• Iron deficiency effects in the young (children)
• Vitamin D status and supplementation in the older population
VITAMINS, MINERALS & HERBS IN EXERCISE PERFORMANCE
Possible sub-topics
• Iron deficiency & anemia in female athletes
• Coenzyme Q10 and exercise performance OR Ginseng supplementation and exercise performance
• Vanadium and body composition
• Antioxidant supplementation (such as vitamin E and vitamin C) and exercise
• Medium-chained triglycerides (MCTs) supplementation and exercise performance/body comp
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SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR FITNESS PRESENTATIONS
EXERCISE AND AGING
Possible sub-topics:
• Effects of training on muscle strength and/or muscle mass of older adults, including underlying
mechanisms
• Effects of training on cardiovascular function in older adults, including underlying mechanisms
• Effects of exercise and aging on changes in flexibility and mobility
• Effects of training on body composition of older adults.
• Exercise and the prevention of falls in older adults, as well as other changes in balance and
equilibrium
EXERCISE AND COGNITION
Possible sub-topics:
• Effects of exercise on cognitive function
• Exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factors
• Exercise and prevention/treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia
EXERCISE IN DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS
Possible sub-topics:
• Environmental impact on individuals exercising in the heat
• Environmental impact on individuals exercising at high altitudes
• Environmental impact on individuals exercising in polluted environments
• Environmental impact on individuals exercising in cold environments
• Environmental impact on individuals exercising in water environments
TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS
Possible sub-topics
• Effects of detraining on cardiovascular fitness
• Effects of detraining on muscle fitness
• Effects of strength training on cardiovascular function
• Effects of overtraining
PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS AND EXERCISE
Possible sub-topics
• Effects of anabolic steroids on training and performance
• Effects of caffeine on endurance or strength performance
• Effects of growth hormones on exercise and sport performance
EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS
Possible sub-topics
• Effects of training on women during pregnancy OR effects of training post-pregnancy
• Role of physical activity in the prevention or treatment of childhood obesity
• Role of physical activity in preventing Type II diabetes
• Exercise and prevention or treatment of hypertension
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Student's Name________________________________________
Please turn in this grading sheet along with your Research Analysis #2 (and the grading sheet
for that assignment) plus a copy of the scientific article used (if directed by your instructor).
Give instructor all required information at the start of your oral presentation.
1. Presentation (Adherence to time guidelines; organization of presentation/preparedness; effectiveness of
oral presentation (delivered without excessive note reading; effective use of visual aids/ability to interest
audience)
Poor
0-1
Adequate
2
Good
3
Very Good
4
Excellent
5
Good
Very good
Excellent
Student’s opinion of
the article is stated,
along with critical
evaluation of the
article’s premise
and/or argument,
but some significant
points are
overlooked
4-6
Includes critical
thinking that clearly
states the student’s
opinion and some
evaluation of the
article’s premise
and/or arguments
but overlooks some
points
7-9
Includes critical
thinking that clearly
states the student’s
informed and
substantiated
opinion, thorough
evaluation of the
article’s premise, and
supporting points
10
Good
Very good
Excellent
Good attempt made
to discuss practical
application but
could be improved
Practical application
of material clearly
described
2
3
Practical application
of material very
clearly described by
providing a number
of examples
4
Good
Very good
Excellent
1.5
1.75
2
2. Ability to critically evaluate scientific research
Unacceptable/Poor
No attempt to
evaluate study or
evaluative
statements
unsupported or
inappropriate
0-1
Needs
improvement
Student’s opinion of
the article is not
clear; critical
thinking is not
evident
2-3
3. Ability to define/demonstrate practical application of material
Unacceptable/Poor
No attempt made to
describe context of
study or practical
application of
material
0
Needs
improvement
Attempt made to
discuss practical
application but
missed the mark
1
4. Appropriateness of nutrition/fitness article
Poor
0
Needs
improvement
.5
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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5. Ability to compare & contrast article with other articles in group; including contributions to group
summary and conclusions, as well as group introduction
Poor
Student fails to
mentions how
article compares and
contrasts with
others’ article;
demonstrates low or
non-existent level of
understanding
regarding how
article chosen fits in
with other articles;
fails to include
article in
introduction and
conclusion.
0
Below average
Student fails to
mentions how
article compares and
contrasts with
others’ article or
does not correctly
put article in
context;
demonstrates low
level of
understanding
regarding how
article chosen fits in
with other articles;
fails to include
article in
introduction and
conclusion
1
Average
Student does an
adequate job
explaining how
article compares and
contrasts with
others’ article;
demonstrates
average level of
understanding
regarding how
article chosen fits in
with other articles;
fails to include
article in
introduction and/or
conclusion.
Very good
Student does a very
good job explaining
how article
compares and
contrasts with
others’ article;
demonstrates good
but not great level
of understanding
regarding how
article chosen fits in
with other articles;
includes article in
introduction and
conclusion.
Excellent
Student does an
excellent and
thorough job
explaining how
article compares and
contrasts with
others’ article;
demonstrates high
level of
understanding
regarding how
article chosen fits in
with other articles;
includes article in
introduction and
conclusion.
2
3
4
Total Points – Individual
__________ / 25
Total Points – Group Average
__________ / 25
GRAND TOTAL POINTS
__________ / 50
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CONSUMER PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Purpose of the Assignment: to evaluate a printed or electronic advertisement in an effort to encourage
the student to become a more critical consumer. The advertisement will be evaluated by comparing the
claims made in the ad to scientific evidence and research findings.
Assignment Format
Page 1:
Consumer Product Analysis Grading Sheet
Page 2:
Advertisement
For Nutrition: your instructor will provide a copy of the nutrition ad or URL in class.
However, the original ad will be shown to the class so that actual colors and reference
information can be noted.
For Kinesiology: you will select your own kinesiology ad. Tape, glue, or staple the
original advertisement to an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper. Provide the source of the
advertisement, giving title, page, and date of publication. Pick an advertisement that
has some substance to it; the less the ad says, the harder it is to critique. Please note:
Original advertisements should not come from library sources/magazines!
Pages 3 to 5 (or 6): Consumer Product Analysis
This section contains your analysis of both the ad itself and the product advertised; it should be 3-4
pages. You should comment on the positive aspects (praise) and the negative aspects (criticism) of the
ad. Your analysis should be in paragraph form, and critical comments should be well developed. When
discussing scientific articles to analyze the product, please do not use direct quotes or copied material
from the scientific articles. Instead, paraphrase the information in your own words and cite
appropriately in APA format. In the text of your paper, the author & year of the scientific source
should be indicated. When more than two authors are cited, “et al.,” may be used as per APA format
(however, remember to include all names on Reference Page.). See example below:
According to Maughan et al. (2013), creatine supplementation has been shown to significantly increase
total body mass in subjects over a 4-week period.
When discussing the advertisement or product description, you may make limited use of short
quotations (
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