semester project

Semester Project – BACT4111

Answer the questions below using information provided in class, on Canvas, in your handouts,

and in any scientifically valid source. Please properly cite your sources!

This assignment is due at the beginning of class on the due date listed in the syllabus. A hard

copy must be submitted at the beginning of class. In addition, an electronic copy must be

uploaded to Turnitin on Canvas.

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN YOUR OWN WORDS! COPYING AND PASTING WILL

RESULT IN ZERO CREDIT ON THIS ASSIGNMENT.

1. Read the following article:

http://www.naturalnews.com/054745_vaccines_injuries_immune_protection.html.

From the article, select three specific statements or arguments to assess, and for

each one, do the following:

a. Quote the statement or argument. Be sure to include quotation marks! (½

point each, 1½ points total)

b. State whether the statement or argument is valid or invalid. (1 point per

argument, 3 points total)

c. Provide evidence to support your assessment from part (b). You may use

the materials provided to you in the packet posted to Blackboard, the

information from the Tegrity slides, information discussed in class

regarding cognitive biases, and any other scientifically valid source of

information. (2 points per argument, 6 points total)

2. There are two journal articles posted to Canvas with this assignment. One of

them is a valid source, and the other is an invalid source.

a. Which article is the valid source, and which article is the invalid source?

(1 point)

b. Explain your answer to part (a). In your explanation, you should provide

AT LEAST two observations about EACH article that led you to your

conclusion. This is a minimum requirement; you are welcome to provide

more! (4 points)

3. A link to a graph has been posted to Canvas with this assignment.

a. Explain how a scientist would interpret this graph. What scientifically valid

conclusion(s) can be drawn? (2 points)

b. Explain what this graph does NOT show and why. (2 points)

c. For the correlation shown in this graph, provide one possible scientifically

valid explanation that DOES NOT involve a causal relationship between

the two variables of autism and glyphosate use. (3 points)

4. Your friend asks you, “If vaccination is such a great medical technique, why do I

have to get a new flu shot every year?” Explain the answer to your friend’s

question using what you have learned about vaccination. (3 points)

References (1 point)

You should include in-text parenthetical citations wherever appropriate. WHEN IN

DOUBT, CITE IT!

Your assignment should also include a reference list at the end of your document.

You may format your citations and reference list however you prefer, but your format

should remain consistent throughout the document.