This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeComplete summary of an empirical article
To receive full credit (a score of 3/3), the student must include at least 4/5 of the following components in their article summary: (1) background/motivation, (2) methods, (3) results, (4) strengths and weaknesses, and (5) implications/broader impacts. If the student is missing 2 or more of these components, they will receive no credit for the summary (0/3) but may resubmit a revised summary before the deadline to receive full credit.
1. Background: Why did the author(s) conduct this study? What theory and/or hypothesis are they testing? (Note: If
there are several hypotheses, you can just list 3 of them.)
2. Methods: Who were the participants, and how were they recruited? What tasks did participants complete over the
course of the study (e.g., filling out a questionnaire, rating photos, providing samples of saliva, etc.)? Did the
participants complete just one or multiple sessions?
3. Results: What were the key results (findings)? Did these results support the researchers’ hypothesis? (If there were several
findings, you can just discuss 3 of them.)
4. Strengths and weaknesses: To exercise your creative and critical thinking skills, please describe at least 1 strength
and 1 weakness of the study or studies that were presented. For example, how representative was the sample of
the population of interest? Did the study do a good job of capturing (measuring or manipulating) key variables?
Were there any problems with how the study was designed or conducted? Can you think of any alternative
explanations for the findings, other than the explanation the authors proposed?
5. Implications and broader impacts: How do the findings inform theory (e.g., did they support a particular theory,
challenge that theory, or add nuance)? Why do the findings matter in the “real world”? For example, could
information gained through this study be used to help design new interventions, programs, or policies?
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