Janelle Y Morris

NFSC 642: Topics in Vitamins and Minerals 

Skill Area: Research article evaluation and presentation

Assignment Title:B12 Seminar

What I learned: I learned how interpret, evaluate and present research articles.  I chose to review articles regarding the micronutrient B12 as it relates anemia, macrocytosis, and cognition.  I then presented the findings to a class of graduate students while being evaluated by a professor. 

Reflection to assignment: This assignment allowed me to experience the amount of rigor needed to thoroughly examine research.  Going through this process was valuable for me because it gave me insight on all the confounding variables of research design and implementation.  As a graduate student, I will need to conduct a research thesis paper and defend it in front of a panel.  Reviewing and critiquing researchers is a helpful practice to familiarize myself with the variables, objectives, methods, statistical analysis, data table interpretation, discussion and conclusion of research articles.

Relevance to profession: As a Registered Dietitian, I will need to be able to thoroughly interpret research in order to evaluate the rigor of its methods and validity of its findings.  Familiarizing myself with the possible implications of micronutrient deficiencies is also important as a future dietitian to better understand and help future patients.  Registered Dietitians are frequently asked to speak in front of groups to teach about a variety of topics.  Whether the audience that I am speaking to is foodservice staff working for a hospital kitchen, a group of Registered Dietitians, I will need to be able to be engaging and present material that is relevant and appropriate for each specific audience.