BIO 280 Sensory Systems: Helpful Resources

• The AUTHOR did the research study or scientific experiment
• Includes the methods, results, discussion sections
• Papers and proceedings from scientific conferences or meetings
• Dissertations and Theses
• Technical Reports
• Patents

Secondary sources in the SCIENCES will have these words: meta-analysis, systematic review, or literature review.

• The AUTHOR did not do the study/experiment her/himself.
• Remarks about the significance of research or experiments
• Reviews the results of several experiments or trials
• Analysis of a clinical trial
• Letters to the editor, editorials, perspectives, etc.

From University of Wisconsin Library (2013)

Questions to ask yourself when evaluating scientific claims:

1. What is the claim?

      Usually found in the title, headline or first paragraph of the article.

2. What evidence is presented?

      List ALL of the evidence to support the claim.

3. Is each piece of evidence supported by measurable observation?

4. What is the source of the information for each piece of evidence?

      Is the source a scientist, a specialist in the field, and/or a scientific organization?

5. Is the source unbiased?

      Will the author benefit from making the claim?

      Was the research paid for by an organization that stands to benefit from the claim?

      Did the author pay to have the research done?

      Is there any indication that the evidence was chosen selectively?

6. The evidence may be considered acceptable if it is observational, from a reputable source and bias-free.

7. Does the acceptable evidence actually support the claim?

Ford, B. (1998). Critically evaluating scientific claims in the popular press. The American Biology Teacher, 60(3), 174-180. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4450446