critical thinking – Anthropology,Develop your critical thinking skills by applying them to an analysis of a popular news article about physical anthropology. You will hone these skills by comparing the popular news article to the original scientific publi

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Instructions:
Research is a process; questions and hypotheses are developed, tested, and revised. Read,
discuss, and critically question and analyze the popular-science article you choose (see below). Use the
original scientific article, text book, material you have learned in class, and at least two other peerreviewed
articles to evaluate the pop-sci article. Make sure to improve your written critique by referring
to the original scientific report on which this news article is based! At least two additional peerreviewed
articles are required to support your arguments and ideas.
Write a short essay that evaluates the quality and the content of the pop-sci article. Using your
expertise from class, along with the information provided in the original scientific report, expand on and
elaborate areas that you feel have been insufficiently or incorrectly addressed by the journalist. You may
choose to discuss issues such as (but not limited to!):
 Did the journalist understand and clearly express the research? Was the news article an accurate
reflection of the scientific journal article?
 What information can this study provide us with to help us better understand human variation,
behaviours, and/or beliefs?
 Was the research accurately described? Explain and elaborate.
 How does the article contribute to how physical anthropological themes are understood by the
public? Why might this be important?
 What other types of evidence would help to strengthen the arguments made?
 Given what you know about physical anthropology, what do you think is a reasonable
explanation for the research findings?
 If you agree with (aspects of) the article, use your knowledge of physical anthropology to
elaborate on why the interpretations and explanations seem plausible.
 Other ideas, themes, criticisms, or observations you think are relevant.

Your essay must be ~4-5 pages long (1000-1250 wds). The text must be type-written, double
spaced, and in Times New Roman 12 point font. Margins must be set at 1 inch (2.5cm). Please number
your pages. Make sure that your name, student number, TA’s name, and date/time of your lab session
are included.
Please write in essay and paragraph format. Do not simply answer the example questions
included in this guideline; exceptional papers will contain greater insight and development of ideas than
is suggested above. Proof-read for spelling and grammar errors before submission. Divide your writing
into clear paragraphs, each centered on a single theme. Do NOT use slang, conjunctions (e.g., isn’t,
weren’t, they’re), or text-speak (e.g., 2, u, lol). Define any new terms you are using. Grades will be
assigned for writing competence.

References:
Use APA citation style to cite your text, lectures, news article, and journal articles (original and
supporting), as well as any other supporting information. You must include in-text citations and a
reference list in APA style.

Citation examples:

Scholarly Journal Article:
Smith, A.B. (2018). Evolution and physical anthropology: new findings. American Journal of Physical
Anthropology, 127(1), 345-347.

Book:
Keenleyside, A., & Lazenby, R. (2015). A human voyage: Exploring biological anthropology. Toronto:
Nelson Education