Objective: This assignment will test your ability to critically analyze nutrition information presented in popular media. You will be looking to see if the information is valid and/or accurate, based on the principles you are learning from this course. 

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Note: This is one assignment and must be submitted in one package. However, there are three parts to this assignment: two critiques (one for each article chosen)- and, then, once you have finished each of those, one comparative critique (looking at a comparison between the two articles you chose to review). Each of the three parts should be about one page in length, minimum. (So= about three pages total for the whole assignment). See instructions below:

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Pick two articles to critique:

1.  Article # 1 must be based on a print/paper version of a nutrition-related article from a recent magazine or newspaper. 

2.  Article # 2 must be based on a nutrition-related information article published in the Internet. Look for websites that have “org”,  “edu”, or “gov”, on the Internet.

Both articles must be about nutrition and must be closely related in content, topics or issues. I realize that the information may not be exactly the same, but search for one that will discuss the same general issues or facts. This way you can truly make a good comparison.

Also: the articles you pick must be articles- that is, at least a page in length, if not more. Avoid “Blurbs” on nutrition; these are often only a paragraph in length, and are not articles… you see many of these in magazines these days, but bypass those…. go for the actual articles, instead…… also avoid using advertisements……

To help you refresh your memory before you write your opinion paper and comparative critique,you may want to re-read the last part of Chapter 1 in the textbook, in regards to “Nutrition Advice: Who Can You Trust?” “Interpreting Research Study Reports”, including “Use Your Knowledge of Research to Help You Evaluate Media Reports”.

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*For each article critique (print and Internet version) you must include the following information in your discussion:

Names of the reporter/writer/publisher and for the Internet article the name of the website or web page.

Determine what credentials they have to be considered a “qualified” writer-why do you think they are qualified?

When was the article published (print) or the information posted/updated (internet)?

Brief summary of the information presented (main idea of the article).

Critique the information or data provided in each of your articles. Is it good or bad information? i.e.- valid? Backed up by experts and studies or not? Slanted or both sides of the topic presented? Trying to sell something (point of view, supplement, diet plan, etc)… or not? Useful to the reader? Etc.  Support your arguments. Why should we believe this information? Focus on how the information is presented, how valid it is (not your opinion of the topic). What would you do as a journalist to improve the validity/usefulness of the article?

After you have completed the two article critiques, next do the comparative critique: 

* For the comparative critique:

Review both the print version and the Internet version of your topic– discuss which of the two versions appears to be more accurate and/or credible, and why.  Which article used more references/studies, quoted more experts? Which article had less slant? Which author is more credible and why?

Discuss which features you liked or did not like about the articles, in comparison.

Would you recommend either of these two articles as a source of valid nutrition information to the general public?  Explain why or why not.

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·      You will need to submit a paper that is 3 + pages in length for this assignment. The paper must be typewritten using a maximum of a 12 point font double-spaced and submitted on or before the due date. Copies  or links of each article must also be submitted. You may scan and attach the article (from newspaper or magazine) to your paper when you send it. (Some newspaper and magazine articles are also printed on the internet, as well- so you can use one of those if you would prefer- either attach the article or the link. For the Internet article, you can just include the web address or link so I can look it up.