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A Module-Based Research Project
Step 6: The Results Section
Students receive the instructor-analyzed data from the in-class experiment. They receive
information on what it means to find or not find significant results, what interpretations
are drawn about the behavior under investigation as a result, and how to report the data.
The instructor presents the data in table form to make data incorporation into the appro-
priate statistical notation easier. Students also receive example “result paragraphs” to use as
templates for their writing.
Step 7: The Discussion Section
Similar to the introduction section assignment, students use a discussion template for this
module. Here the student learns how to discuss the results in light of the literature and
how to consider theoretical and practical implications.
Step 8: Abstract and References
After the research is conducted and written, the students write the Abstract, using a guide
for what information to include. For the References, students use an example of format-
ting references and ordering them on the reference page.
Step 9: Correct and Assembled Final Paper
Students receive the different writing components, marked with corrections from the
instructor, and they then correct their first drafts for the final paper and assemble the
components as outlined in the assignment. Students submit this final paper with the cor-
rected first drafts so that the instructor can compare the first and final drafts.
The benefit of this module is that the students learn to assemble all the components in
a research document, demonstrating to them the investigation, testing, reporting, and
discussion of the research question. Their final assembled paper becomes a document they
can refer to in the future when having to write other research papers. Most students feel a
sense of accomplishment when they view the document in its entirety.
Step 10: The Presentation Poster
Finally, students learn that researchers share their findings with colleagues by
presenting a poster at a professional conference. So the final step is for the students to
have fun and be creative in providing the findings of this study in a concise, readable,
attractive, and informative manner. In a miniconference-style poster session, students
are questioned by the instructor about the research to model what occurs in a
conference setting.