Research Article Analysis Essay

This research article analysis is over the article Undergraduate student researchers, preferred learning styles, and basic science research: A winning combination which is published in the Clearing House Journal and written by Lori Woeste and Beverly Barham. This article can also be found in Week One Electronic Reserve Readings. In this analysis a summary of the article will be provided, the type of information discussed in the article will be given, as well as if the information in this article should be considered reliable and valid. Summary This article is based on basic science research and the role that a team dynamic has on a student. What studies have found is that while the technical portion of research can pose as a challenge, student researchers are often challenged with thriving in various team dynamics as well (Woeste & Barhamm, 2012). Woeste and Barham (2012) explains that understanding the preferred learning style of a student can pose as an advantage for mentors because it allows them to have a better understanding of how meet these challenges. In this article, the authors also chronicles the background of working alongside student researchers whom prefer different learning styles. The authors also correlate this information with how being well-informed on students’ preferred learning styles can contribute towards creating an environment enriched in positive learning experiences, which ultimately results in a winning combination for the team as a whole (Woeste & Barham, 2012). Type of Information The first section of the research paper introduces the two student researchers and his or her preferred learning style. Research student one  (SR1) had a preferred learning style of kinesthetic and research student two (SR2) had a preferred learning style of visual, with both agreeing that auditory was the least preferred learning style. According to Woeste and Barhman, â€Å"The nature of the basic science research required strict adherence to sterile technique, chemical hygiene protocols, quality control guidelines, and handling of microbiological specimens† (2012, pg. 64). Both research students were then asked to demonstrate various techniques needed in basic science research and both did so accordingly, displaying a throrough understanding and competence in the techniques required (Woeste & Barham, 2012). The next section chronicles the beginning of the project. After receiving a detailed plan from the grant application, the student researchers were asked to investigate and report the timing of adherence for bacteria to different substances (Woeste & Barham, 2012). Right away it was noticed that SR1 was experiencing difficulty starting anything new and although SR1 was able to take over once receiving help, there was a significant reoccurrence of the same issue (Woeste & Barham, 2012). However, after moving SR1 from the office space to the laboratory where he or she could have a hands-on approach to using instruments and protocols, SR1 displayed competence in the ability to begin and he or she began a great source of contribution by manipulating items to help in the creative part of the process (Woeste & Barham, 2012). By moving SR1 from the office to the laboratory, the student researcher was able to contribute as well as learn in a learning style that was best suited for his or her needs. While SR2 did not display the need for a hands-on approach to develop new ideas for various parts of the project, it was quickly noticed that SR2 required a need to write down all protocols and information in regard to the project (Woeste & Barham, 2012). Due to the fact that all research should be documented, SR2 was able to contribute to the documentation aspect of the research (Woeste & Barham, 2012). In the end, SR2 was also able to contribute in a manner that benefited the project as well as suited his or her preferred learning style just as SR1 was and together the two complemented one another. Since both students preferred auditory learning least, they were both given sample question that he or she may encounter during the presentation as a way to ease nerves and prepare. The next section of this article explains how SR1 and SR2 did during the  presentation. Both students answered questions and provided information in a manner that was in coherence with each of their learning styles. SR1 spoke with hand gestures, motions, and simulated steps in the laboratory while SR2 referred to the visual poster used in the delivery of the presentation to provide information and answer questions (Woeste & Barham, 2012). The last section of this article includes the conclusion and in findings that were discovered throughout this project. Throughout this project, the authors discovered that taking a learning-center approach, students are able to learn better and work together more efficiently because it attempts to â€Å"contextualize the construct of learning styles, with the ultimate goal of improving pedagogical practice† (Woeste & Barhman, 2012, p. 65). Reliability or Validity This article would be deemed as reliable and valid because of the source from which the information came, the citations and evidence used in the article, and credentials of the authors. The Clearing House is a journal of educational strategies, issues, and ideas through the use of peer-reviewed articles (Taylor and Francis Group, n.d.) The authors also used outside sources and citations from other journals as well as books that come from valid and peer-reviewed articles and information. Last, the authors have credentials in this field of work and study to accurately report and investigate the topic in which this article was about. Conclusion Providing an analysis on a research article requires much more depth and thought than simply reading the content in the article. A reader must begin with first understanding what the article is about and who the authors are and the source from which the article is coming from. Once a student has done this, an outline should be created of each section in the article and a summary should be developed. A summary will help the student to easily identify the main points in the article. After doing so, a highlight of each section should be done so that a quick, yet thorough understanding of the article can be assessed. If all steps are followed, students should be able to correctly present a research paper on articles and after time, improve his or her ability to do so. References Woeste, L. A., & Barham, B. J. (2007). Undergraduate student researchers, preferred learning styles, and basic science research: A winning combination. The Clearing House, 81(2), 63-66. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/196879481?accountid=35812 Taylor and Francis Group. (n.d.). Genamics. Retrieved from http://journalseek.net/cgi-bin/journalseek/journalsearch.cgi?field=issn&query=0009-8655