Posted: January 25th, 2016
Each time you evaluate an article, you will complete Part I and Part II. You will submit on a typed hardcopy Part I., and Part II on the due date listed in your syllabus.
Part I.
o Was the study repeated? (You should know why a study must be repeated. If you do not know ask Prof. Olave or Dr. Bignami ASAP)
o What was the sample size? Is this representative of a large population?
o What were the variables? Controls?
o What factors might affect the outcome (according to the investigators)
o Interpret the data within each figure without looking at the text. Once you have done this, then read the text.
o Understand the purpose of the Materials and Methods
o What was the purpose of the study?
o What questions were asked?
o How did the study address these questions?
o What assumptions did the author make?
o What were the major findings?
o What questions are still unanswered (according to the authors of the article)
Part II. Critical Review and Assessment of the Article
Common language: Dipodomys merriami is a kangaroo rat that has a longer Loop of Henle, and this helps it survive better in the desert by retaining more water.
Professional language: A longer Loop of Henle in Dipodomys merriami allows for greater water absorption, an adaptation that has led to survival in an arid environment.
o Does the data support the conclusions of the study. Explain.
o What questions remain unanswered?
o How could future studies be improved?
Note: This scientific writing critique is based on Pechenik, Jan A. “Writing Summaries and Critiques.” A Short Guide to Writing about Biology. Ed. Rebecca Gilpin. 6th ed. New York: Pearson, 2007. 130-138.
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