Effectiveness of Wearable Technology and Mobile Applications in Increasing Healthy Behaviors

Group Three

Abby Lenderman: Sleep, Conclusion, Proofreading

Paige Macauley: Abstract, Introduction, Nutrition, Conclusion, Proofreading
Rachel Magri: Physical Activity, Conclusion, Proofreading

December 1, 2016
Abstract:

The purpose of this research paper is to identify the effectiveness of wearable and mobile technologies for
improving an individuals health. These technologies include FitBits, Jawbones, health tracking applications
and several more. This research was not limited to one specific brand but studied all available options and their
direct correlation to different health components; diet, physical activity, and sleep. Wearable technology is a
growing cultural phenomena in America but whether or not it can improve our health is not fully understood.
This paper explores what these new technologies are capable of, how they are used, and the impacts they may
have. While they have been shown to have some positive effects none were significant enough to validate their
use for improved health. However there is still room for long-term effect research to be done and a respectable
amount of human error with the products implementation. The common drawback amongst users was the loss
of interest in the tool and focus on a goal. But there is also a large individualistic approach to the tools as well
that can be seen within different demographics. We are optimistic that if properly implemented within a persons
lifestyle, wearable and mobile technologies would effectively improve health; they are proven theoretically
capable; if only they were properly used throughout the population.
Introduction:

There is a cry for help in America right now. The obesity epidemic is aggressively consuming the nation;

alongside heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. These conditions are noncommunicable diseases,

and have been found to be controllable and even entirely preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many

Americans feel they are unable to sustain a healthy lifestyle due to have the time constraints, this is effectively

dragging our nations health into this quick decline. It is inexcusable that the wealthiest nation in the world is also

one of the least healthy; but it is fact.1 There are several factors that determine a personal health: family history,

socioeconomic status, environment, genetics, emotional stability and culture even. However the simplest and

most easily controlled are a person's diet, activity level, and the amount and quality of sleep achieved. 2

These aspects of health are also considered preventable causes of obesity. As complex as healthcare is;

body weight is fairly straightforward; a person needs an overall negative caloric deficit to lose weight, while a

positive net calorie balance will result in weight gain. Similarly, with physical activity, many Americans have

sedentary jobs and are not moving nearly as much as our bodies and brains are genetically hardwired to. This

confuses our bodies because evolutionarily we havent caught up to todays world. Our bodies still want to hunt

for food and work in the fields all day. The new sedentary lifestyle is linking the population back to a positive

calorie intake because people are not burning nearly as much as they used to. Lastly sleep; approximately 33%

of Americans classify as sleep deprived meaning that they get less than six hours of sleep a night regularly. 3 This

leads to serious consequences such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, and weight gain. Our bodies use

sleep to recharge; almost the same as shutting down a computer, that is when the brain regulates hormones, level

heart rate, and prepare energy for the next day.4 When individuals begin disrupting that cycle, the entire brain

gets off schedule altering the functionality the bodys systems.

How should we as a culture redirect this trend? As previously mentioned this is a sedentary world; a

culture consumed and dependent upon the use of technology. There is a growing interest in wearable

technology and mobile applications that are solely centered on improving people's health. 5 These devices are

meant to act as tools to keep individuals aligned with their individual health goals and motivate users to improve

their lifestyle. This raises the question: do they direct people toward a positive behavior change or are they just a

new fad? Currently approximately one in every five Americans own some type of wearable device and one out
of every ten use them everyday. These are the individuals who have high hopes for these little tools including

improving lifespans by ten years and a drastic drop in obesity rates. 6 That is what this paper explores; using the

three previously mentioned preventable causes of obesity this paper addresses the effects of using mobile

technology. We hypothesize that if wearable and mobile technologies are accurate and appropriately used, then

they can help improve health status.

Nutrition:

A persons diet drastically impacts their overall health, most directly affecting their weight. The

National Institute of Health states that weight loss is initiated by creating a negative calorie deficit; and it is

generally accepted that one pound being equivalent to three thousand five hundred calories. 7 However, twenty

first century America is a quick-fix tell me how it works society; making lifestyle changes such as how a

person eats a challenging individual and societal battle. There have been several educational attempts to correct

the health behaviors America has adapted; best known MyPlate, which clearly lays out nutrient standards, but

people seem unable to follow them. For example the upper limit for sodium is 2,300 mg a day, the average

American consumes approximately 3,400 mg. 8 People need to actively calculate and monitor their behaviors to

be able to successfully see a beneficial change. Different types of mobile and wearable technologies have been

gaining attention lately that do just that. The average time spent with a doctor during an appointment is less

than twenty minutes so if medical professionals could recommend helpful gadgets patients could see more

improvement.9

To truly research if these tools are appropriate and effective their applications need to be understood.

This idea of wearable weight loss tools first gained light when pedometers were new which initially counted

steps based on movements. Now the technology is more advanced and interactive with a broader purpose. This

paper researched all types of mobile technologies and each has slightly different processes but they all track

heart rate, count steps and breathing rates. Those are measurable by simply physically wearing the device or

carrying your phone with movements and your pulse. Unfortunately diet tracking is a bit different. Diet

tracking with all devices requires manual entry into the database.

The ease of wearable technology has triggered a need for data. A 2016 study conducted by Michele

Ipjian MS and Dr. Carol Johnston of Arizona State University targeted their research toward dietary sodium
consumption. Their trial was four weeks long and included thirty participants divided into two groups; from the

university area. Participants were between eighteen and eighty years old, healthy, and owned a Smartphone able

to download the application. The only exclusion factor was recent or current pregnancy or lactation. At the

start of the trial, all participants donated a urine sample and were measured; there were no significant differences

between the groups. Both groups were told to limit their sodium to less than 2,300 mg/day approximately one

teaspoon and given a short lecture on lowering sodium consumption, high sodium foods, and lesson on how to

read a nutrition label.8 The standard group was told to record their dietary intake in a journal by hand while the

intervention group was permitted to use MyFitnessPal and given a Jawbone device to help monitor. The

application was designed to calculate exactly how much sodium was consumed based on the food logged within

the database. Intervention group participants knew exactly how much sodium they consumed if they were

diligent about recording their intake. At the completion of the four week trial sodium levels were measured

using urine samples. Also all dietary logs were collected; journals and MyFitnessPal. Ipjian et als trial found

no significant difference between the two groups dietary quality score; both groups consumed similar amounts

of sodium. The standard group dietary quality score fall at 30.7+/- 3.6 while the intervention groups was

30.0+/-3.5. These results are nearly identical indicating that the use of mobile technology was not a more

effective dietary intervention. However while minimal there was a slightly less amount consumed in the

intervention group which may be the cause of the significantly lower sodium urinary output from the same

intervention group. This indicates that while the intervention group did not consume significantly less sodium,

there was enough of a difference to alter how the body processed it. 10 At the completion of this trial participants

were asked to fill out a survey about the experience. Both groups stated that they enjoyed their method of

measurement and that they were too time consuming for daily life. 10

These results leave room for the interpretation of readers as to the effectiveness of the wearable

technology; with the slightly conflicting data. There is also room for further investigation, had there been a

larger number of participants results could have been different. Another aspect that would be beneficial to

watch is how much a support system may have affected the two groups. As well as the length, if mobile

technology is going to help with lifestyle behaviors four weeks may not be long enough for an accurate

representation.
 A different study out of the University of Pittsburgh saw there was no research on the long term effects

of combining technology and health and chose to experiment accordingly. This trial lasted two full years and

was completed in 2016. The first six months all four hundred and seventy participants were given behavioral

weight loss interventions before being divided into groups. After six months the four hundred and seventy

people were split; two hundred thirty-four received the standard intervention and two hundred thirty-seven

received the enhanced intervention. Both groups were directed to exercise and maintain a low calorie diet based

on their current weight. All participants received weekly text messages and monthly phone calls to keep them

engaged and encourage weight loss behaviors. During the remaining eighteen months the standard group were

simply told to self monitor their physical activity and nutrition intake. Meanwhile the enhanced group were

given access to an educational website, wearable technology, and web-based interface for support. Body

measurements were taken for all participants at the start of the trial and every six months through completion.

This studys results showed that there was more weight loss, 5.9 pounds compared to 3.5 pounds and change in

percent body fat 6.4% versus 3.6% for participants using the standard intervention than those using the

enhanced system. A few things to note about this trial was the participant pool was young between eighteen and

thirty-five and vast majority 77% were women. Not having an accurate representation of the population may

have swayed results in a different direction. However again these results indicated the mobile technology is not

more effective in promoting weight loss than standard self observation. 11

A different study conducted in 2014 with Australian truck drivers was studying chronic disease risk

through physical activity and diet monitoring with wearable technology. The participants drove for both local

and long distance deliveries; but all worked full time with an average of 60 hours a week. This study included

forty four middle aged male drivers who were all given a Jawbone UP wrist band. These calculated their steps

and saved the diet logs over the twenty-week study between. At the start of the study the participants claimed

they were between good to excellent health however their waist, blood pressure, and BMI measurements

indicated otherwise. Participants were briefed on how to use the Jawbone and record the diet as well as given

health tips and ideas. As the time progressed the participants physical activity did not fail to be recorded but

consistently less dietary intake were submitted. At completion of the trial only nineteen drivers were left and

were asked about the experience and there was a significant response that diet tracking was tedious and not
realistic. However participants felt that after trying to track they were able to make better dietary choices

regardless of the log. Results found that the participants who continued to track their diet consumed more

appropriate choices as well as that physical activity tracking was less time consuming for participants. 12

This study brings up a few key concepts. The sample size was small and over half of the participants

dropped out for various reasons but the average time indicated time restraints, which is a very real issue to

consider if recommending these products for the general population. There were also barriers with technology

and finances; some drivers couldnt process their information because they did not understand how to or lacked

the means to afford the costs.

Diet tracking whether with mobile technology or by pencil is the recommended way to help facilitate

weight loss. There seems to be a trend among the studies that indicate a lack of consistency or loss of novelty

with the products deeming them ineffective. All the researchers agreed that wearable and mobile technology

have the potential to assist in weight loss and health efforts, but dont seem to be currently. In the future it will

be imperative to have a well-rounded sample population and size for testing. It also may be interesting to

include a psychologist or sociologist that could help maintain motivation for participants using the products;

minimizing the potential human error due to lack of interest. A large part of weight loss is mental and emotional

so having additional professional support may prove beneficial.

Physical Activity:

Performing enough physical activity is commonly cited as one of the most effective lifestyle efforts to

maintain healthy weight status, as well as overall health and wellness. 13 The benefits of regular exercise are

countless, and have been proven repeatedly in clinical trials. However, Americans continually fail to achieve the

recommended amount of physical activity, while associated health conditions and diseases continue to remain

highly prevalent.14 In order to combat the problem of American obesity and lack of physical activity, a low-cost

intervention to increase and sustain levels of physical activity is immensely necessary. In recent years, wearable

technologies have emerged as a potential tool to encourage physical activity by engaging the user in self-

monitoring behaviors and providing feedback in the form of data. 15, 16 The data that each device is capable of

measuring varies, but can include step count, distance traveled, calories burned, and heart rate.
 In order to determine if wearable technologies are effective in increasing physical activity, it is

important to investigate what features are valued by the users of the product. In a study conducted by the

University of California, San Diego, participants who utilized Fitbit One devices over the course of six weeks

were asked to complete a questionnaire on their experience and perceptions of the Fitbit One. 17 Eighty percent

of the respondents answered that they often/very often viewed the number of steps they had taken, while sixty-

two percent answered that they often/very often viewed the distance they had traveled. 17 Only forty-seven

percent of respondents answered that they often/very often viewed the intensity of the physical activity they

performed.17 Overall, participants also agreed that the Fitbit was easy to use and felt that it was helpful in

enabling them to be more physically active.17 Upon further analysis, it was determined that participants who

were diligent in utilizing the fitness tracker and the coordinated website were successful in achieving more steps

than their counterparts, though not a significantly higher amount, and not a significantly higher amount of

overall physical activity.17 While participants felt that they performed more physical activity while using the

Fitbit One, collected data highlights a discrepancy between perceived outcomes and actual outcomes.

Though the Fitbit Ones were not effective in producing a significant increase in physical activity among

the subjects of this study, an important correlation can be noted that the data that subjects chose to view the most

oftenstep countincreased the most over the course of the study. Whether this correlation has underlying

causation is undetermined, but in an important consideration to note for further research. Strengths of this

studys findings are its randomized design and lack of conflict of interests. However, limitations include its

relatively small sample size of sixty-one participants and reliance on self-report of engagement and perception

of benefits. This data has the potential to be skewed based on the personal bias of each participant.

Traditionally, an individualized weight loss or physical activity intervention would require in-person

counseling in either a group or one-on-one setting. Such interventions are expensive, and are time intensive for

both the counselor and client. There are many barriers that could keep someone from engaging in such a

demanding program or weight loss strategy including inability to attend or afford sessions, as well as a high

level of commitment. Wearable technologies offer a less intensive alternative to traditional weight loss

interventions, while still maintaining the aspect of individualized feedback and goal setting. A study conducted

by the University of Pittsburgh aimed to determine whether a technology based system was more or less
effective than a traditional weight-loss intervention within a group of obese adults. 18 Participants were assigned

to one of three treatment groups. The standard behavioral weight loss group included weekly group sessions,

assessment of body weight, and paper and pen documentation of diet and physical activity. The technology

based system utilized Jawbone fitness trackers to replicate self-monitoring behaviors of the hand written

documentation.18 These trackers provided subjects with feedback on energy expenditure and amount of physical

activity, this data was uploaded to a website where they received more in depth feedback. 18 The enhanced

technology based system cohort utilized the same Jawbone fitness trackers, but utilized the Bluetooth capability

to automatically transmit their data to a smartphone application on their phone, eliminating the step of

connecting the device to a computer and manually uploading it. 18 The smartphone application provided users

with the same opportunities for self-monitoring of dietary and physical activity behaviors. 18 Over the course of

the study, measurements were taken at baseline, three months, and six months of participation in the assigned

intervention group. At six months, the standard weight loss group had lost the most weight with an average of

6.57 pounds lost. While the technology group lost an average of 5.18 pounds, and the enhanced technology

group lost an average of 6.25 pounds.18 These findings do not support the use of wearable technologies as a

more effective method of facilitating weight loss or improving self-monitoring, over a traditional weight loss

approach.18 Though, results did show that participants who were provided with fitness trackers did engage in

more physical activity than those who were part of the standard group, though not a significantly higher

amount.18 This study concludes that a technology based intervention is not more effective than a standard weight

loss intervention, though these findings are somewhat limited by the small sample size (sixty-seven participants)

and study duration of six months which makes it difficult to extrapolate results to sustained lifestyle change. 18

The findings of this research could feasibly be used as a basis to examine in greater depth the

psychological, social, or physiologic factors that produced greater weight loss in the standard intervention

versus the technology based interventions. Determining these factors would be useful in designing future

technologies to better meet the needs of their users, and more successfully and efficiently produce positive

health outcomes.

Sleep:
 Sleep is a necessary recharging function of the human body as its many restorative qualities serve to

benefit overall health status. But even though sleep and adequate amounts of sleep play a key role in life quality,

it is estimated that somewhere between four and twenty percent of the general population experience excessive

daytime sleepiness.19 This is important to note because studies have shown that there is a correlation between

sleep deprivation and the prevalence of increased blood pressure, hypertension, and cardiovascular system

dysfunction.19 Similarly, high-stress, anxiety, diabetes, depression, and obesity are other health related issues that

may transpire as a result of poor sleep quality or a lack thereof. 20 For these reasons and many more, tracking

sleep quality and quantity have been included as measurements of the popular, trending wearable fitness apps

and technologies that are on the market today. With that being said, the duration of this section will further

explain and explore how these wearable devices qualify and quantify sleep while also providing supporting

evidence on how these devices contribute to an individuals agency over his/her personal health and weight loss

journey based on the findings of recent scientific studies.

When in sleep mode, wearable technologies such as the Jawbone UP and Fitbit use accelerometers to

record the duration of sleep by tracking an individuals movements and the speed and direction in which he/she

moves.21 Once this data has been recorded and synced to an external device, such as a computer, the individuals

quality of sleep from the night before can be inferred. This said sleep mode is manually controlled by the user

as he/she must communicate with the device that he/she is going to bed or that he/she has woken up via a switch

and/or setting depending on the device in use.20 Therefore, in order to retrieve accurate data, the user must

engage with his/her device at which point there may be a discrepancy between the ease of use of the device

and the effectiveness of the device. Meaning, given that there are now devices on the market that are capable of

tracking fitness, diet, and sleep individuals can now focus on areas that may need improvement such as sleep

quality or quantity, in the context of this conversation, in order to better manage weight and personal health.

A study was conducted by Dr. Jeongeun, a registered nurse and member of the Infusion Nurses Society,

in August of 2013 to verify that the health information technology (HIT) acceptance model described the

behavior, behavioral intention, and attitude of the individuals using the product. 22 Essentially, the study was

performed in an effort to better understand self-tracking behavior as it relates to logging daily physical activity,

dietary habits, and sleep patterns. To do this, a wearable technology had to be deemed fit for the study and a
population pool had to be selected. It was decided that the Fitbit and its technology aligned most closely with

the study design.22 Please note that the decision to use the Fitbit was a honest one with no outside funding or

conflicts of interest present that could have affected the integrity of the study and the data collected. Secondly

fifty-two college females were selected to participate after it was decided that each participant was well versed

and proficient in operating the Fitbit, however only forty-four of these women actively participated in the actual

logging of physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep patterns. 22 To ensure that the information was logged

appropriately, the forty-four women who participated attended an orientation where they were instructed on the

specifics of data logging as well as data syncing, as each participant was assigned a webpage where she could

log and sync both dietary and sleep pattern information. The study could then begin.

For three months, the participants tracked and logged their daily physical activity, dietary habits, and

sleep patterns. Being that this study is being examined for the sole purpose of exploiting wearable technologies

and their ability to track sleep, that aspect of the study will be examined more closely. As previously mentioned,

the Fitbit tracks sleep using an accelerometer, or sensors that are capable of tracking the speed and direction of

movement, that must be manually turned on and off in order to accurately track an individuals sleep state. 21

With that being said, it was expected that over the course of the three month study or ninety day period, each

participant would set their device on sleep mode prior to going to bed and then once again in the morning

upon waking up. All in all, this manual step affected the overall compliance level of sleep tracking especially

when compared to that of physical activity which is tracked automatically. For example, the maximum number

of consecutive days that physical activity was logged by the participants was ninety compared to a maximum of

eighty-six days for sleep tracking. The maximum number of consecutive days that dietary habits were logged,

however, was only sixty-eight.22 This shows that there is a correlation between the ease of use of these devices

and the effectiveness of their use.

When wearable technologies are unobtrusive, automated, and convenient for the user they are most

effective according to the data found in this study. Furthermore, the findings show that automating aspects of the

Fitbit and other wearable technologies alike would lead to greater compliance by the user. While these devices

give individuals a sense of agency over their personal health, it seems as though many individuals would prefer

that their device of choice do all of the tracking, calculating, and data intake for them. This is understandable,
especially in respect to tracking sleep. By the time an individual lays down to go to bed at night, he/she may be

more focused on getting sleep and staying asleep rather than making sure that his/her sleep is being tracked by

his/her wristband. Likewise, the first thing on an individuals mind in the morning most likely has very little if

anything to do with his/her Fitbit, much less changing it from sleep mode. Not to mention, there are other real

life, day-to-day challenges that impact how and if an individual uses his/her device to track sleep. First of all, an

individual has to make sure that he/she wears his/her device, and while that may sound nothing short of obvious

-- think of all of the times you forget to wear your watch or favorite bracelet. Simple, honest human error and

negligence can really impact the data retrieved by wearable devices if this becomes a habit. Second, it is

imperative that the device is worn correctly and then taken care of appropriately to ensure that the sensors

within the device can accurately measure and track the areas of interest. Most of all, it is important to note that

an individual must have the self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation to keep up with the tracking and logging of the

areas of focus that have not yet been automated if he/she desires to experience the effectiveness of the device in

its entirety.

It really boils down to the individual, after all, these devices were made for the sole purpose of targeting

and exploiting the importance of having a sense of agency over ones personal health. But as Kims study

showed, in order for these tools to be considered to be effective they must be user friendly. With that being said,

if these devices were designed to be completely automated then perhaps the level of compliance of the user

would increase. But who is to say, it may also depend on the individual and their short-term and long-term

health related goals. The participants in Kims study were all young, healthy females with very little to no

pressure to gain control over their personal health. 22 Perhaps if the same study was repeated using forty four

women suffering from obesity and chronic disease then maybe the compliance levels would have been higher

even within the areas that require self-tracking. Therefore, it can be concluded that while there is a correlation

between ease of use and effectiveness of use when it comes to sleep tracking, self-efficacy and a desire to have

agency over personal health is equally if not even more important to discuss and consider when having the

conversation about weight loss and quality of life.

Conclusion:
 The principal finding of this research is that wearable technologies have the potential to facilitate

behavioral change. This change occurs through self monitoring if the user subscribes to the way in which these

technologies have been designed to positively impact personal health. The largest barrier noticed throughout the

research was the amount of human error when using these products. While the products themselves have the

ability to effectively monitor individuals dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep purchasers thus far have not

fully taken advantage of their applications. Simply put wearable and mobile technologies are only a tool for

improved health. Therefore, in order for wearable applications and technologies to be deemed significantly

effective in behavioral interventions and lifestyle modifications, the user must have agency over his/her own

personal health and weight loss journey. For, these technologies only encourage and contribute to weight loss,

they do not lose the weight for us.

The limitations of the existing research are that many of the studies occurred over a period of time less

than six months. This makes it difficult to estimate the sustainability of these lifestyle efforts over longer

periods of time, in order to produce positive health benefits and mitigate the chronic diseases associated with the

original purpose for the products. One can assume that if found ineffective over a short period of time they will

be found less than over a longer timespan; however this research is yet to be done. There is also an aspect of

product novelty. People get very eager to use new products but as time moves on there is a steady loss of

interest in which a person could easily lose motivation making the devices seem ineffective. Basic

understanding of psychology explains that behavioral change is only stemmed through rigorous self-monitoring

which is how wearable technology came to be. So it could be beneficial to add an aspect of psychology or

motivational interviewing to new studies. This addition could be the point that holds users interest and helps to

motivate toward the usage of the tool. Overall wearable and mobile technologies have the ability to positively

support a persons goal but they have not been proven to actively lead to beneficial behavioral changes within a

persons lifestyle due to predominantly human error and generally inconsistent motivation and lack of self-

efficacy.
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Group grading rubric for Scientific Review Article (include at the END of your article)

Criterion 11-15 6-10 2.5-5 2.5 or TOTAL

below POINTS
Organization/Format
Title and title page Organized Organized in an Little cohesive Inadequate
present in a clear, appropriate plan. Not introductio
Content is appropriate manner but enough n and little
outlined/formatted for and precise may lack some description or use of
clarity standard manner. consistency or detail. transitions
symbolization, notation, clarity. May Organization is between
and indentation; have some scrambled, sections
(15 points) extraneous jumbled or
material. disconnected.
Did not follow
guidelines
provided.

Hypothesis Hypothesis Hypothesis is Hypothesis Lacking

Hypothesis is clear and is clear, appropriate, but statement is too clear
relevant to topic and relevant may lack a broad and does hypothesis
issue at hand. accurate clear not appear to in the text
(15 points) and connection or connect to the of the
concise. purpose to the entire paper paper
overall paper. hypothesis is
too narrow
Critical Thinking 4-5 3 2 0-1
Skills Criterion (30
points)
The question is
addressed with pertinent
and timely research
information
Depth of content is
sufficient to address the
question/hypothesis
A critical evaluation of
the research literature is
appropriate and relevant
to the topic
Research results are
interpreted accurately
A well thought out
conclusion is provided
and is based on the
literature reviewed
Well thought out
suggestions for future
research are provided

TOTAL OVERALL
SCORE (60 points)
Additional Comments:
Individual Grading Rubric for Scientific Paper (Include at the end of your article)
Paige Macauley
Criterion 7-10 4-6 2.5-3 2 or below TOTAL
POINTS
Research Information Results Some minor Major There is
Multiple papers are are problems with problems with little to no
used, and each research presented data data data
paper builds on previous and presentation or presentation or presented
information to support formatted use of papers to interpretation and the
or refute the overall well with build the paper is
hypothesis few if any story/support or based on
(10 points) issues. refute the speculation
Multiple hypothesis.
papers
support or
refute the
hypothesis

Writing Style Writing Minor errors are Spelling errors, Significant

(10 points) style present, but they grammatical writing
enhances do not detract problems and errors
the from the other poor
readability readability of writing styles
of the the paper. limit the
paper. readability of
the paper.
Criterion 5 3-4 2 0-1 TOTAL
POINTS
Appropriate Experime Some minor Research There is
Knowledge of ntal detail problems are methodology is little to no
Methodology is evident in inappropriate research
The research papers are presented knowledge of or detail is methodolo
clearly described with in a clear methodology lacking to gy
numerical and statistical and and their interpret the presented
data. concise application to methodology which
(5 points) manner the research and clearly makes the
proposed. evaluate the data
Methodology is data difficult to
not critically interpret.
evaluated in
individual
section.

Group Participation
Score
(15 points)

TOTAL OVERALL
SCORE (40 points)
Abby Lenderman
Criterion 7-10 4-6 2.5-3 2 or below TOTAL
POINTS
Research Information Results Some minor Major There is
Multiple papers are are problems with problems with little to no
used, and each research presented data data data
paper builds on previous and presentation or presentation or presented
information to support formatted use of papers to interpretation and the
or refute the overall well with build the paper is
hypothesis few if any story/support or based on
(10 points) issues. refute the speculation
Multiple hypothesis.
papers
support or
refute the
hypothesis

Writing Style Writing Minor errors are Spelling errors, Significant

(10 points) style present, but they grammatical writing
enhances do not detract problems and errors
the from the other poor
readability readability of writing styles
of the the paper. limit the
paper. readability of
the paper.
Criterion 5 3-4 2 0-1 TOTAL
POINTS
Appropriate Experime Some minor Research There is
Knowledge of ntal detail problems are methodology is little to no
Methodology is evident in inappropriate research
The research papers are presented knowledge of or detail is methodolo
clearly described with in a clear methodology lacking to gy
numerical and statistical and and their interpret the presented
data. concise application to methodology which
(5 points) manner the research and clearly makes the
proposed. evaluate the data
Methodology is data difficult to
not critically interpret.
evaluated in
individual
section.

Group Participation
Score
(15 points)

TOTAL OVERALL
SCORE (40 points)
Rachel Magri
Criterion 7-10 4-6 2.5-3 2 or below TOTAL
POINTS
Research Information Results Some minor Major There is
Multiple papers are are problems with problems with little to no
used, and each research presented data data data
paper builds on previous and presentation or presentation or presented
information to support formatted use of papers to interpretation and the
or refute the overall well with build the paper is
hypothesis few if any story/support or based on
(10 points) issues. refute the speculation
Multiple hypothesis.
papers
support or
refute the
hypothesis

Writing Style Writing Minor errors are Spelling errors, Significant

(10 points) style present, but they grammatical writing
enhances do not detract problems and errors
the from the other poor
readability readability of writing styles
of the the paper. limit the
paper. readability of
the paper.
Criterion 5 3-4 2 0-1 TOTAL
POINTS
Appropriate Experime Some minor Research There is
Knowledge of ntal detail problems are methodology is little to no
Methodology is evident in inappropriate research
The research papers are presented knowledge of or detail is methodolo
clearly described with in a clear methodology lacking to gy
numerical and statistical and and their interpret the presented
data. concise application to methodology which
(5 points) manner the research and clearly makes the
proposed. evaluate the data
Methodology is data difficult to
not critically interpret.
evaluated in
individual
section.

Group Participation
Score
(15 points)

TOTAL OVERALL
SCORE (40 points)