HOSA Research Poster

The Research Question 

If also submitting a PBL Level III Project- Follow Task 1

• Competitors must pose a topic and research question that can be researched in their community. 

• Topics must be health-related, but flexibility is given to competitors to select something of interest and of local importance and relevance. 

  •  Examples of topics: 

    • a. Community-Based Strategies to Reduce Mental Health Stigma 

    • b. Combating Post-Partum Depression in Teen Moms 

    • c. Decreasing Juvenile Incarceration Rates by increasing the Presence of Positive Male Role Models 

The Research Process 

If also submitting a PBL Level III Project- Follow Task 2

• Once the research question is identified, competitors will determine the best method(s) for conducting their research. 

• Research methods may include, but are not limited to: 

  • a. Survey(s) 

  • b. Interviews 

  • c. Scientific study 

  • d. Observational ethnography 

  • It is the competitor’s responsibility to obtain informed consent for any human subjects engaged in research. More information is available from HHS.gov and their FAQ section. 

  • The research must be conducted within the current HOSA membership year (July 2022 – May 2023). 

If also submitting a PBL Level III Project- follow Task 3,4 and 5

TASK 3: Creating a Page About STEMSOS Model (Graded by STEM Teacher)

TASK 4 : Creating "My PBL Project" page PART 1 (Graded by STEM Teacher)

TASK 5 : Creating "My PBL Project" page PART 2 (Graded by STEM Teacher)

The research poster will contain the following eight (8) components

If also submitting a PBL Level III Project- Follow Task 6

A. TITLE

• The title should highlight the research to be conducted by the competitor and gain the attention of the viewers

• The competitor’s name, HOSA Division, HOSA Chapter #, School Name, and Chartered Association should be located on the Research Poster.

• 100 words maximum (suggested)

B. ABSTRACT

• An abstract is a brief summary of the research.

• Include the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) investigated.

• Describe the basic design of the study and objectives.

• Explain the major findings found as a result of analysis.

• Provide a brief summary of interpretations and conclusions.

• 250 words maximum (suggested)

C. METHODS

• Describe the research methods that led to the results.

• Identify the target population.

• Explain how data was collected accurately.

• Explain how the data was analyzed.

• Explain possible errors and biases in the methods

• 200 words maximum (suggested)

D. RESULTS

• Describe qualitative and quantitative results.

• Present the data analysis employed.

• Explain why the results matter

• Use supportive charts and figures.

• 200 words maximum (suggested)

E. CONCLUSIONS

• Emphasize the major results and try to convince why the results are interesting.

• Explain the relevance of your findings to your community and our world.

• 200 words maximum (suggested)

F. REFERENCES

• List the literature cited that gave guidance to the project.

• American Psychological Association (APA) is the preferred resource 

• 100 words maximum (suggested)

G. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

• Acknowledgements are where the competitor thanks anyone who helped make the project possible.

H. IMAGES

• Crunch the data into graphs, tables, statistics, and/or quotes that illustrate the findings. Include photos and illustrations that reflect the research. Use 2 to 5 images.

• Logos from community agencies involved in the research are acceptable. 

If also submitting a PBL Level III Project- follow task 7-12

TASK 7: Choosing the ELA and SS (Social Studies) components of your project  (Graded by ELA and SS Teacher)

TASK 8:  Posting the ELA component and SS connection. (Graded by ELA and SS Teacher)

TASK 9: Write the script of your video presentation (Graded by STEM Teacher)

TASK 10: PBL Video Presentation (Digital Story) (Graded by STEM Teacher)

TASK 11: Designing and Publishing Project Brochure (Graded by STEM Teacher)

TASK 12: Movie Presentation - ELA component and SS Connection (Graded by ELA and Social Studies Teacher)

The Research Poster Template and Design 

• Competitors will create the poster template (the file sent out to have professionally printed) in 48” x 36” landscape orientation.

• Any computer program of your choice is acceptable to use to create the poster template, as long as the final digital product can be saved as .pdf and the final printed product is 48” x 36 “ landscape orientation.

• The above eight (8) items listed must be included, but colors, fonts, and overall design are at the discretion of the competitor.

• Numerous websites are available showcasing sample poster designs and templates to show strengths and weaknesses of sample posters, as a reference for competitors.

• Tips for successful poster design. These are suggestions only, and not requirements.

a) 3 Feet Rule: Poster must be readable 3 feet away

•  Title font size: Minimum 65 pt.

•  Heading font size: Minimum 48 pt.

•  All other text size: Minimum 24 pt., suggested 36-42 pt.

•  Use bold to provide emphasis, but avoid underline and CAPITALS

b) Left to Right, Top to Bottom

•  Most readers read top left to bottom, top right to bottom, in that order

•  Strategically placing your content in order will help the reader to follow along and understand the content

c) Use Bullet Points

•  Focus on highlights

•  Use brief statements, instead of full sentences

d) Context

•  Write in Active language, avoid using passive language

•  Use third person point of view to provide readers with an objective perspective

•  Use text boxes to write your text. This will make editing and layout adjustments easier.

•  Writing should be left justified

e) Images

•  Make sure images are high quality to avoid grainy or distorted photos

•  Photos typically print best at 300 dpi or greater and in TIFF format.

•  Use italicized captions (in minimum 18-point font) to help your readers distinguish your caption from the rest of your text. Adding captions will also help your readers to understand what your image represents.

•  Avoid long numeric tables

The Research Poster Printing

• Once the poster template is finalized as a .pdf, competitors should determine the best place and method for printing the final size of 48” x 36” (landscape orientation). 

• The poster does NOT need to be mounted on foam board.

• To help with printing costs, and also to be more visually appealing, avoid using dark backgrounds and patterns. Use high contrast colors on muted backgrounds instead.

• Posters can be printed on matte/economy style paper and do not need to be printed on high gloss paper, to help save costs.

• Competitors should check with their local advisors for assistance on where to print the poster. Often schools, colleges, universities, etc. have printing departments that have discounted printing rates. Additionally, there are many online sites available that provide affordable printing options. 

Poster Example (See Below) + Link 

1st place winner @ Area and 4th place winner @ State

Required Digital Uploads 

• The following items MUST be uploaded to the Research Poster ILC opportunity in Tallo by May 15: 

  • May 15 at midnight EST is the final deadline and there will be NO EXCEPTIONS to receipt of the required materials after the deadline. 

• The poster will be uploaded as one pdf file 

• A pdf copy of the Research Poster must be uploaded as a single document

SECONDARY/POST-SECONDARY/COLLEGIATE: Detailed instructions for uploading materials to Tallo can be found HERE. 

NOTE: Chartered Associations and ILC event staff have the option of using different setup methods to showcase the Research Posters. This could include attaching the posters to walls, laying posters flat on tables, or other methods deemed appropriate