2008 Instructions for Undergraduate
Research

Registration begins: February 4
Registration ends: February 22

Undergraduate Research will be judged
in the categories of Abstract and Poster

Note: Undergraduate Research Students will provide both an Overview and an Abstract. The overview will be a brief description for the Expo Booklet (150 word maximum). The Abstract will be submitted to the judges (500 word maximum).

Abstract Information

• To enable a reader to decide whether this topic is of sufficient interest to warrant taking the time to read the entire paper or to go hear the presentation.
• To acquaint a reader with recent research results without the need to read the entire article or hear the paper.

Abstract Instructions

The following elements should be included in a proper abstract:

1. The title should be brief and descriptive.
   
2. The statement of the problem tells the reader what specific questions are addressed in the study. The variables and limitations are identified. The intent and objectives of the research effort are made explicit in this statement.
   
3. The purpose states the usefulness of the study. It answers the question why the project was undertaken.
   
4. The hypothesis is an educated guess that shows the relationship between a set of observed facts and a theory. The hypothesis limits the scope of the investigation and unifies the research design.
   
5. The procedure provides a brief summary of what was done.
   
6. The conclusions provide a concise statement of the outcomes of the investigation. They should be written in non-technical language and be related directly to the hypothesis. The conclusions should identify unsolved aspects of the original problem or any new problems identified.

There is no "standard" or required arrangement for the parts of an abstract (suggestion of a format is listed above); its statements may be in whatever sequence enables the most information to be conveyed in the fewest words. Its sequence can be, and frequently is, totally different from that of the paper. A good abstract usually must be drafted and re-drafted ---- eliminating, adding, and re-arranging the words.

Abstract Helpful Hints

Please remember that your abstract will be published in the 2008 Undergraduate Exposition Program Booklet. The abstract must be adequate in length but not exceed 150 words maximum.

1. Use past tense and third person in describing completed research, present tense when stating existing facts and what is in the paper.
   
2. Incorrect spelling and poor sentence structure will discourage interest in your project.
   
3. Assume that the reader has a good general technical vocabulary but try to avoid use of highly specialized words or abbreviations.
   
4. If reference to procedure is essential, try to restrict it to identification of method or type of process employed.
   
5. State results, conclusions, or findings in a clear, concise fashion.
   
6. Make a copy of the original to keep for yourself.
   
7. Have your advisor read your abstract to make sure it communicates well. This is the greatest difficulty most students seem to have.

Poster Information

The poster is a hybrid between the research paper and the oral presentation. As such, most of the instructions for a research paper also apply to posters. The most important differences between a research paper and the poster are:

• A poster is more concise since the author is present to explain and elaborate. You should typically have a single page for each section of your poster.
• There is more emphasis on visual display, graphics, etc.
• You can use photographs in addition to other illustrations.

Poster Criteria

• Students are responsible for providing their own poster.
• Posters should be free standing.
• Posters are to be no larger than 48” x 48”.
• It is suggested that you purchase a board from Office Max.
• Posters should include the following information.
  • Title
  • Student's/Team’s Name and Department
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results (should be presented using graphs, tables, figures, photographs, and a minimum of text)
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgments
• Each team will be assigned to either an AM or PM judging timeframe. You are strongly encouraged to be in the Ballroom as much as possible during your assigned judging time in order to answer questions regarding your display.

Poster Helpful Hints

1. All display materials and items (graphs, pictures, etc.) should be attached to the display board. Limited table space will be available for display materials.
2. Posters should be readable from a distance of 4 feet.
3. The poster should be balanced and organized in a logical, sequential order.
4. Determine in advance what you will display and how it will be organized. NOTE: Material placed in the bottom third of the display wall may be difficult to read.
5. Keep the amount of text to a minimum. Emphasize graphics--tables, charts, graphs, and photos.
6. Use white space to make the reading easier.

Expo Home

Contact Webmaster