Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

Instructions:

recognize and explain how the scientific method is used to solve problems
weigh evidence and make decisions based on strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific method.

Please review one of the provided Science Daily articles AND the corresponding peer-reviewed scholarly article below. In your paper you should include the following:

1.Identify and trace each of the steps of the scientific method in the scientific journal article – What observations did the scientists make that led up to this research study? Given your understanding of the experimental design, formulate a specific hypothesis that is being tested in this experiment. If a hypothesis is stated in the paper, please rewrite it IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Describe the experimental design, including control and treatment group(s), and dependent and independent variables. Summarize the results of the study. What was the final conclusion(s) of the study? Did the authors accept or reject their hypothesis? Explain. Note: you should be using the original journal article to answer these questions. The Science Daily article is just meant to serve as an additional reference.

2.Criticize the research described. Things to consider: Were the test subjects and treatments relevant and appropriate? Was the sample size large enough? Were the methods used appropriate? Can you think of a potential bias in a research study like this? What are the limitations of the conclusions made in this research study? Address and explain at least two of these questions in your critique of the research study.

3.Discuss the relevance of this type of research, both for the world in general and for you personally

Write a paper with title page, introduction, paragraphs addressing the above questions, conclusion and references. You must write in your own words and paraphrase information from the selected information sources, addressing each of the questions for your chosen topic. Your paper should consist of less than 10% direct quotes.

Article options (choose one):

Gut bacteria from wild mice boost health in lab mice. Researchers recently reported that laboratory mice that are given the gut bacteria of wild mice are better able to survive an infection of the flu virus as well as fighting colorectal cancer.

Gut bacteria from wild mice boost health in lab mice

Journal Reference: Rosshart S. P., Vassallo, B. G., Angeletti, D., Hutchinson, D. S., Morgan, A. P., Takeda, K., Hickman H. D., …, Reherman, B. (2017, 16 Nov). Wild Mouse Gut Microbiota Promotes Host Fitness and Improves Disease Resistance. Cell, 171(5),1015-1028. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.09.016

PDF journal article: Wild Mouse Gut Microbiota

Multivitamins in pregnancy may be linked to lower autism risk in children. An international research team set out to assess whether nutrient supplementation during pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of autism spectrum disorder, with and without intellectual disability.

Multivitamins in pregnancy may be linked to lower autism risk in children

Journal Reference: DeVilbiss, E. A., Magnusson, C., Gardner, R. A., Rai, D., Newschaffer, C.J. Lyall, K., …, Lee, B.K. (2017, 4 Oct). Antenatal nutritional supplementation and autism spectrum disorders in the Stockholm youth cohort: population based cohort study. BMJ, 359, j4273. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j4273

PDF journal article: Antenatal Nutrition Supplementation and Autism

Higher dose of vitamin D increases bone density in premature babies. Recent investigations suggest that if the standard supplementation of 400 IUs of vitamin D is increased to 800 IUs daily there are reductions in the number of premature and preterm babies with extremely low bone density.

Higher dose of vitamin D increases bone density in premature babies

Journal Reference: Anderson-Berry, A., Thoene, M., Wagner, J., Lyden, E., Jones, G., Kaufmann, M., …, Hanson, C. (2017, 10 Oct). Randomized trial of two doses of vitamin D3 in preterm infants <32 weeks: Dose impact on achieving desired serum 25(OH)D3 in a NICU population. PLOS One, 12(10), e0185950. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185950

PDF journal article: Vitamin D and Premature Babies

High blood pressure lowers significantly after drinking tart montmorency cherry juice. Drinking tart Montmorency cherry juice significantly reduces human blood pressure at a level comparable to that achieved by medication.

High blood pressure lowers significantly after drinking tart Montmorency cherry juice

Journal Reference: Keane, K. M., George, T. W., Constantinou, C. L., Brown, M. A.. Clifford. T., & Howatson, G. (2016 Jun). Effects of Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus Cerasus L.) consumption on vascular function in men with early hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr, 103(6), 1531-1539. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.123869

PDF journal article: Montmorency Cherry Juice and Blood Pressure

Avoid plagiarism

It is very important to write with your own words. If you do copy one or two sentences directly (use sparingly), use quotation marks (“) around the copied text. All information sources need to be included in the reference list and as in-text references (this should include the Science Daily article, the journal article, and any other outside information sources you used). Plagiarism will be reported to the proper UMGC authority. Guidance on how to avoid plagiarism can be found here: Avoiding Plagiarism

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