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Assignment Title: Qualitative Research Term Paper

Course: NFSC 429 Cultural Foods

Assignment Description: Students were tasked with selecting a research topic related to nutrition that can be explored through qualitative analysis. My research goal was to find if there is a correlation between increased levels of structured physical activity and specific changes in food preferences. I interviewed four college students, two males and two females of varying activity levels. Following interviews, I typed field notes in order to compare responses of interviewees and develop a code matrix. Through the identification of themes and subthemes, the code matrix helped to identify similarities or differences between study subjects. I compiled by methods and results into a complete research article, including diagrams to support the themes presented in my paper.

What I learned: This term paper increased my critical thinking skills, as I approached an issue with little previous analysis. Prior to completing this assignment I had grown accustomed to quantitative research, so I appreciated the challenge to approach research differently and view results through a different lens. I was able to practice interviewing skills and discern what pieces of an interview are key for research.

Effect of Exercise on Diet Composition and Perceived Health Among College Students

Assignment Title: Dietary Supplements Term Paper

Course: NFSC 345 Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods

Assignment Description: The purpose of this assignment was to research a functional food or dietary supplements' proposed health claims. I chose to research if probiotic supplementation has any effects on the health of endurance athletes. Through research and conducting critical analyses I was able to discuss the amount of evidence that support the mechanisms of probiotics and health of athletes in particular. I chose the population of endurance athletes due to the unique amount of stress put on their bodies, as well as my personal interest in exploring the use of ergogenic aids of a more natural source.

What I learned:This research assignment was heavily based in interpretation of results and increased my ability to efficiently read research articles. I appreciated using the skills I learned in the Nutrition and Food Science Journal Club the previous semester. I gained confidence in my ability to determine if research in conclusive or not. Along with this research paper, I presented my findings to the class in a form of a PowerPoint presentation. It was a challenge to take the formal, scientific writings of a quantitative study and present it in a certain time frame to an audience that may not have prior knowledge of the subject. I am pleased with the results of my research and am interested in exploring the topic further.

Probiotic Supplementation and the Effects on the Health of Endurance Athletes

Assignment Title: AND Evidence Analysis and Summary Worksheet

Course: NFSC 440 Advanced Human Nutrition

Assignment Description: This assignment for Advanced Human Nutrition was to formulate an evidence analysis question and conduct a literature review for the question. In partners, we were to chose a current topic related to human nutrition that focused on macro- or micronutrients. My partner and I chose the topic of artificial sweeteners and their affect on appetite regulation. Once four substantial articles were found, each report was to be critically appraised and classified using Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics worksheet template. Following the classification of each article, my partner and I summarized our evidence and developed a conclusion statement related to our original research question. Lastly, we assigned a grade based on the strength of the evidence provided.

What I learned:This assignment developed my critical thinking and writing skills. I learned a great deal about locating appropriate scientific literature, and discerning which literature provides the most evidence. I feel confident in my ability to interpret and evaluate professional literature to make evidence-based practice decisions. I also am effective working as a team to complete a task, as this project was very much a collaborative effort between my partner and I.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis and Summary Worksheet