Checkpoint 1: Topic selection

Due Monday September 23 at Noon

Objective

To help you understand the structure and purpose of a Nature News & Views-style article and begin selecting potential papers for your final analysis, which will be presented in this format.

Tasks

Part 1: Read and Analyze a Nature News & Views Paper

  1. Read the Sample: I’ve provided a sample Nature News & Views paper here. This type of article communicates the significance and context of a research paper to a broader audience, highlighting its key findings and implications.

  2. Analyze the Structure: As you read, think about these questions:

    • What is the main goal of a News & Views article?
    • How does the author introduce the topic and summarize the research?
    • What aspects of the research are emphasized, and how are they connected to broader implications?
    • How does the author simplify the complex ideas for non-experts while still maintaining depth and insight?
    • What is the overall structure (e.g., introduction, summary of findings, broader context, conclusion)?

  3. Write a Short Reflection: After reading the sample article, write a brief (250-300 word) reflection on what you learned about the structure and purpose of a Nature News & Views article. Focus on how the author balances accessibility with depth, and how they present the research to a general audience.

Part 2: Paper Selection

Now that you have a better understanding of how research is communicated in a News & Views format, it’s time to begin considering papers for your final project.

  1. Select Three Papers: Identify three academic papers, articles, or research papers that you might want to analyze and write about in your final News & Views-style assignment.

  2. Provide Brief Notes on Each:

    • Summary: Write a brief 2-3 sentence summary of the paper’s main argument or findings.
    • Pros: Why are you interested in this paper? Does it align well with the course themes, provide strong evidence, or offer an interesting perspective?
    • Cons: What are some potential challenges with using this paper? Is there limited data, narrow scope, or another reason it might be less suitable?

Submission and Evaluation

  • Submit a PDF that includes:
    1. Your reflection on the Nature News & Views article.
    2. Your three selected papers with notes on each (summary, pros, cons).
  • Evaluation Criteria:
    • Reflection on Structure: Does your reflection show a clear understanding of the Nature News & Views format?
    • Paper Selection: Have you thoughtfully considered the relevance and potential challenges of each selected paper?