Research Paper Discussions
As a compliment to the text we will discuss papers from the scientific literature during the course of the semester. The general goals of this exercise are to introduce the primary research literature and to critically examine scientific research. These sessions will also allow us to openly discuss the statistical subjects at issue which in turn will help you to understand the course material.
Each paper will be introduced by 1 or 2 students who will lead the discussion. Obviously, the lead person(s) must have a good grasp of the content of the paper which generally requires several readings of the paper and a formulation of discussion strategy. The rest of the class should read the paper at least once and be able to contribute intelligently to the discussion.
A suggested format for the lead person is a follows, but feel free to run things as you see fit. Remember, however, that 15 minutes is allotted to the review so make sure that important points are discussed first.
Please don’t simply summarize the paper.
We have all read it so focus on key issues!
Part 1:Overview: general overview of paper
INTRODUCTION (1 min)
State the authors and title of the paper. What is the general topic of the paper? Be sure to define any terms or concepts used in the paper that haven't been discussed in class. Is it a research paper, a review, or a theoretical paper? What hypotheses were the authors testing (if any)? Was the general question raised by the paper a good one?
Part 2:Start discussion: begin critique of paper by making points or posing questions that are discussed by the class (REMEMBER: this is a discussion, don't talk the entire time!)
METHODS (»2-3 min) if appropriate
How were the data collected? Were any experiments performed? Were they designed properly? Did the experiments adequately test the stated hypotheses? Were the methods explained in sufficient detail to understand what was done? Where there any implicit assumptions that were critical and untested?
RESULTS & DISCUSSION (»9-10 min)
What were the results of the study? Were they clearly presented? Were the results adequate to address the questions raised? Were the stated hypotheses evaluated properly? Were the appropriate statistical analyses performed? Were they properly interpreted? What were the shortcomings of the study? Do you agree or disagree with the overall conclusions? Were additional questions raised by the study? If so, what are they and how could we study them?
Conclusion (»1-2min)
In a single sentence summarize the basic results of the paper. Do you agree or disagree with this result? Why or why not?