Primary Research Guidelines example exerpt

(from Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society)

Guidelines and Space Restrictions

Title

  • Your title should capture the major aim/conclusion of your research. The title may span the entire top of the 4 X 4 board, or may be positioned in the top-center.
  • Lettering for the title should be large enough to be read from several feet away. We recommend using a minimum of 70 pt. font.

Abstract

  • In general, your abstract will contain one sentence from each section of your presentation. For example:
  • Introduction: Why is this research important and what question are you trying to answer?
  • Methods: How did you go about solving or making progress on this problem/topic?
  • Results: What are your findings?
  • Conclusions: What are the implications of your findings?

Introduction

  • Clearly state the problem or project and the reasons why you are studying it. This information should be contained in the first few sentences. Make the introduction one or two paragraphs in length.

Materials and Methods

  • Give enough detail so that others will know how you gathered the data. Use equations, figures, and tables only where necessary. Aim for clarity and brevity.

Tables and Figures

  • Use graphs rather than tables to present numerical data.
  • Leave out any unnecessary details. Studies show that you have only 11 seconds to grab and retain your audience's attention. Display your important points and make them brief.

Discussion/Conclusions

  • The purpose of this section is to relate your results back to the original problem you have tested.

General Advice

  • KEEP THE TEXT BRIEF. Blocks of text should not exceed 3 paragraphs.(Most viewers will not read more than that). Present only enough data to support your conclusions, but make sure that there is sufficient information to explain the process.
  • Use a word-processor for all text, including captions. Print on plain white paper.
  • We suggest that all presentation text be 18 pt. font OR larger. The title should be at least 70 pt. font.
  • The poster generally should read from left to right, and top to bottom. Numbering the individual panels, or connecting them with arrows is a standard guidance system.
  • Leave some open space in the design. Your audience will appreciate this as it will make your presentation easier to read and understand.
  • Before the poster session, rehearse a brief summary of your project. Conference attendees and judges will want to hear you describe your research and poster. Don't be afraid to point out uncertainties in your work, you may be able to receive valuable feedback and helpful insight from others.
  • It takes time to make a great poster. Allow 2 to 3 days to assemble the pieces, such as photos, graphs and figures, and then allow 2 days to cut all of the boards and physically assemble the poster. TALK WITH YOUR ADVISOR as you go through this process. Make sure he/she approves of your layout and agrees that you have presented all of the important information in the best possible way.
  • You may choose to display your poster on several different sections of colored poster board. To do this, cut the poster board into pieces that fit the size of your text sections. You may choose to use adhesive spray glue or double-sided tape to attach your paper to the backing. Some students prefer one of these methods to using standard white glue, as it reduces wrinkling and bubbling of the paper.

Primary research guidelines can easily be applied to secondary research projects with little modification.

Sample -- ASTRONOMY 001: POSTER PROJECT GUIDELINES

General Guidelines:

  1. Make a poster visually teaching an astronomy subject of your choice. Be original.
  2. If you choose a subject that we have already discussed in class, add more detail with your own research (not out of class notes or your textbook.)
  3. Choose a topic that is specific, instead of very broad. For example, instead of the broad subject of galaxies, select a specific galaxy. You may submit your topic to me ahead of time and I can suggest a more specific one if you are having difficulty choosing.
  4. This is an academic project – similar to poster sessions in professional scientific conferences. Make it show that you have put a lot of intelligent work into it. Look up poster presentation guidelines on the internet.

Detailed Requirements:

  1. One 20”x30” foam core board – any color (no other size is acceptable)
  2. Write a 1-page, single-spaced, 1-inch margined, word-processed, summary of your research IN YOUR OWN WORDS. To be turned in on presentation day. You earn more points for proper use of quotes and references than if you copy your text word-for-word,
  3. The summary must contain at least two references (in addition to the textbook). Use MLA format.
  4. Put your name and class time and date at the TOP RIGHT on the summary.
  5. On the Poster board, put a title centered on the front.
  6. Add visuals, and LABEL them, and add notes describing the visuals. Reference all of your visuals unless you create them yourself.
  7. Nothing must be sticking out from the front or sides.
  8. Present your poster to the class on your assigned day (5 minutes max). Either read your summary or “wing it” using your visuals as a guide.

Evaluation (Sample):

Posters will be graded based on the following:

Class presentation………………………………………………………..... 3 points

Following directions exactly……………………………………………..... 4 points

  • At least three visuals (with descriptions). Without a description, visual will not be counted
  • Quality and depth of the research
  • Neatness and visual appeal

One page summary………………………………………………………….3 points

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Eng 21 Project Poster Judging Ballot

Thank you for your time today! I will report your service (as three hours) to the Flex rep.

Please evaluate each student’s poster as follows: Student Name or Poster Topic: ______

1. Neatness and visual appeal

(low) 123456789 10 (high)

2. Instructor guidelines followed: (must have all three to score well)

__Captions on Photos __Sources listed for charts/graphs __Nothing sticking out of sides or top/bottom of trifold

(low) 123456789 10 (high)

3. Depth of research (from what you can tell from poster. The written research paper will be present but you need not review it.)

(low) 123456789 10 (high)

4. At least three visuals (pictures, maps, charts, or graphs, etc.)

(low) 123456789 10 (high)

5. Clarity of idea (poster makes sense, communicates project well, is not too “busy” or too difficult to read or understand)

(low) 123456789 10 (high)

Total Score: (AGS will calculate): ______

Reproduced with permission from Professor Holly Bailey-Hoffman

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*evaluation can be as rigorous, or lenient as desired (or as permitted by time limitations and/or students academic readiness).

Poster Examples

‘Bad Poster’:

‘Good Poster’:

Amazing Posters:

Example (Video) of Student Research Poster Session

Contact Information:

Elizabeth Bell

Assistant Professor

Physics and Astronomy

X4585