Using Posters to Disseminate Science
Lab Report #4
Lab report forms provide you with a format to demonstrate and apply knowledge gained during this course. They also provide an opportunity to reflect on what you've learned about the topic. Be sure that your answers are specific, not vague, to ensure the best grade. Also, use terminology from the course in your answers. Remember, copying definitions from the textbook, lecture notes, a friend, or any other source is plagiarism. Use your own words.
Instructions:
Create a scientific poster to present the data your lab section produced during class (Factorial Design Lab). Posters should include the same major sections as an APA formatted manuscript, but are intended to present information in a visual format for an audience that wants an expedited overview of the research. You are welcome to utilize any illustration/design skills you have to enhance your work in this visual medium, but must include the following:
Introduction section (5 points)
• The research question and hypothesis are explicitly stated.
• Previous literature is summarized in support of the hypothesis and/or to justify the importance of this research.
• In-text citations are given.
Methods section (5 points)
• The sample size is reported.
• The procedure is clear.
• An example of the items/stimuli is given.
Results section (5 points)
• Results are reported using a figure.
• A sentence is included to caption/explain the figure.
Discussion section (5 points)
• Whether or not the hypothesis was supported is stated.
• A reasonable implication of the results is summarized.
• States a major limitation/issue with the study exists.
Poster design (5 points)
You will not be evaluated on creativity or artistic ability, but clarity is important when communicating research results. Posters should be designed such that:
• The reader’s eye is naturally guided in a logical order.
• The poster is not overwhelmed by text and/or irrelevant images.
Here is a collection of resources that you may find helpful:
Templates
Guidance
Save your powerpoint file as a .pdf (necessary for uploading to turnitin)
“Ten simple rules for a good poster”
Erren TC, Bourne PE (2007) Ten Simple Rules for a Good Poster Presentation. PLoS Comput Biol 3(5): e102.
