Students are responsible for developing a 5-page Research Proposal. The proposal needs to be uploaded to the assignment section and assessed by the Research Tutor using the Research Proposal Assessment Form 

Students are responsible for tracking their activities and the number of hours worked through a research progress report and research activity log. The Research Tutor will complete a Research Progress Assessment form (Pass/Fail). 

• This form should be used as an informal debriefing tool between the RT and the student during a meeting (in person or online). Please let me know if you would like me to attend this meeting.

• Sample: Research Activity Form

Creating a Research Abstract 

Students will develop a research abstract as a concise summary of a research study or project. 

Assessment form

Typical components of a research abstract include:

1. Background or Introduction: A brief statement of the research problem or topic, including its significance or relevance.

2. Objective or Purpose: A clear statement of the research aim or objective, outlining what the study aims to achieve.

3. Methods: A summary of the research design, including the approach, methods, and techniques used to conduct the study.

4. Results: A summary of the main findings or outcomes of the study, including any key data or statistical information.

5. Conclusion: A brief statement of the study's conclusions, implications, or recommendations based on the findings.

6. Keywords: A list of keywords or phrases that highlight the main topics or themes of the research, aiding in search-ability and indexing.

Research abstracts are typically concise, and unless the RT requests otherwise, they should be around 300 words, depending on the specific requirements of the publication or conference. They should be clear, informative, and accurately represent the content of the research study.

The exact date and time for poster day will be announced later in the Winter Semester.

Assessment Form

Typical elements associated with the poster include:

• Title: Clearly states the topic or theme of the research.

• Authors: Lists the names and affiliations of the researchers involved.

• Introduction: Provides background information and outlines the research objectives or questions.

• Methods: Describes the research design, methodology, and data collection techniques.

• Results: Presents the main findings or outcomes of the study, often using charts, graphs, or tables.

• Discussion: Analyzes the results, interprets their significance, and discusses any implications or future directions.

• Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and highlights the overall significance of the research.

• References: Lists any sources cited in the poster.

Final Research Product

• This pertains to the work completed by the student throughout the Fall and Winter terms, which may include tasks such as literature review, data analysis, drafting a research article, or presenting at a regional/national conference. The specific research product will be determined by the Research Tutor in collaboration with the student and may vary for each individual. However, the research product aims to reflect a substantial piece of work fitting for a 6-credit, 4th-year course, requiring significant time and effort

Assessment Form

For example:

• If the research product is a literature review, it should be well-written, properly cited in the style of the relevant field, and approximately 10 pages or longer.

• Alternatively, the research product could consist of laboratory notes (journal) documenting a series of experiments with sufficient detail for replication.

• Another option is an analysis of secondary data, accompanied by a report outlining the background, results, interpretation, and conclusion of the analysis.

• Various other research options that provide an equally substantial research experience and translate effectively into a suitable research product are also possible.

Final Competency Assessment

THIS MUST  BE COMPLETED BY THE RTs. HOWEVER, IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THIS IS DONE ON TIME.

Assessment Form

General research competencies encompass a range of skills and abilities that are essential for conducting effective research across various disciplines. Here are some 5 general competencies that students will be assessed on:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information critically to form reasoned judgments and make informed decisions.

• Communication: Effective communication skills to disseminate research findings through oral presentations, written reports, scholarly articles, and other mediums.

• Project Management: Competence in managing research projects, including planning, organizing resources, setting timelines, and monitoring progress.

• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, mentors, and research participants, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.

• Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances, revise research plans as needed, and overcome challenges encountered during the research process.

These competencies are foundational for conducting high-quality research and are applicable across academic, professional, and practical research contexts. Continual development and refinement of these competencies are essential for advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the research community. 

Research Tutors will assess students on these competencies using a 5-point scale. New students starting in September would score between 1-2 in these competencies as they pertain to the research process. A+ students would score 5/5 a the end of the course, indicating a high level of competency. However, it is important to note that "competency" is not the same as "mastery", which is the level at which the Research Tutor operates.