Evaluation Criteria

These are the questions the YES judges consider when reviewing submissions.

Overall Criteria

• Do the question, methods, results, and interpretation demonstrate originality and creativity?
• Does the student demonstrate critical thinking?
• Does the student communicate clearly?

Introduction

• Does the project address an important or interesting real-world problem that has a health outcome?
• Does the student explain or justify the important or interesting aspects of the project?
• Does the student state the research question succinctly, clearly, and competently?

Methods

• Did the student select an appropriate design for the study's central question or hypothesis?
• Did the student generate or find appropriate data sources for the study's central question or hypothesis?
• Does the student's selection of analytical methods demonstrate an understanding of concepts of epidemiology?

Results

• Has the student applied the analytical methods correctly (e.g., comparisons of groups, use of statistical tests)?
• Does the student clearly state the results of the investigation? For example, does the student illustrate the results effectively with tables, graphs, or figures?
• Do the results pertain to the research question asked?

Discussion

• Does the student adequately explain or defend the choice of design, data sources, and analytic methods? (e.g., did student realize there were alternative ways to approach the question, but this is what was feasible or realistic or available?)
• Does the student describe how the results of the study answer the research question, as well as how and why the findings contribute to the understanding of a health issue?
• Does the student present a pathway for future research or interventions? Does the student present a rationale for any suggested follow-up studies?