The first activities-to-do/products-to-hand-in that count as parts of your course grade are described below.  This is Part 1 of Assignment 1.  Assignment 1 has two further parts and they are described in Steps 3 and 4.

1. Part 1, Stage 1 - Write a topic sentence of the research question upon which you plan to base your literature search. Your original thoughts about a search will be fairly broad, and a successful search needs to be focused. The topic cannot be just a word or two. It must be a complete sentence that describes a selective topic. For example: What are the latest in-home (consumer use) methods for detecting pregnancy and how reliable are they? On the other hand do not be too narrow or you will not find anything. Striking a balance may take a little work, but that is the point of the assignment. 

   An Example of an Evolving Topic Sentence -

   First draft:

   What are the newest alternatives in hand rehabilitation therapy after carpal tunnel release surgery?
   
   Analysis and Reflection:

   What are the variables involved here?

   Independent Variable - methods used in hand rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release surgery (Note - This is one variable - methods - of which there are several methods). 

   Dependent Variables - cost and time to full recovery. Two dependent variables are named here.

   Second Draft:
   Which method for hand rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release surgery results in lower costs and faster patient recovery?

2. Part 1, Stage 2 - In order to provide you with feedback on your first draft, you have the opportunity to seek feedback from the class. You will email your first draft to the class and your instructor, and two of your classmates (and I) will reply to your message with a helpful and informative critique. Note a helpful critique is both encouraging and provides specific suggestions for improvement. You will only be assigned full credit for doing this part of the assignment if you 1) send out your draft, 2) critique the drafts of two of your colleagues (Copy your emails to me so I'll know you responded), and 3) if all the components are completed prior to the due date listed in the Schedule. Because the purpose of this dialog is to help one another, you cannot do this late. No credit will be earned if you participate in the email discussion after the due date in the Schedule.
   
   The feedback will enable you to revise your draft into an acceptable topic sentence. Complete the tasks of Stage 2 before doing Stage 3.

3. Part 1, Stage 3 - You need to email your final topic sentence to Rodger Marion on, or before, the date specified in the Schedule in the course menu. The grading criteria is in Step 4.