Question

Maureen is majoring in biology at a state university and is planning to pursue a career in medicine. Her instructor recommended her for a research position over the summer for a project that he is working on. If Maureen accepts the position, she will

a. learn firsthand how relatively mundane tasks can be essential to achieving a larger goal
b. be responsible for delivering lectures and making presentations at conferences
c. observe her instructor as he works, but will not perform any research of her own
d. learn more about the field, but will not be able to include the experience on her resume

Answer 1

Maureen is likely to learn about the importance of routine tasks in research and acquire practical skills that can enrich her resume for a future career in medicine. She will not just observe but actively contribute to the research efforts.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Maureen, a biology major planning to pursue a career in medicine, accepts a research position for a summer project working with her instructor, the most accurate outcome would be that she will learn firsthand how relatively mundane tasks can be essential to achieving a larger goal. This experience is expected to provide her practical skills and the opportunity to engage in the research process. It's common in such positions that participants learn more about the field and contribute to the research objectives by working through various tasks, which may seem mundane but are crucial for the success of the research. She will likely not be primarily responsible for delivering lectures or making presentations at conferences, as this is typically not a requirement for a research assistant's role, unless the project deems it necessary and Maureen is prepared for such tasks.

Furthermore, in a research position, Maureen will not only observe but also actively participate, hence growing her research skills and gaining valuable experience that can certainly be included on her resume. This can greatly help her understand the practical aspects of the field, build a professional network, and gain insights into the real-world applications of her academic knowledge.

It is also important for Maureen to be aware that any research involving human subjects must be conducted with ethical standards in mind, which includes obtaining written permission from participants. This hands-on research position stands to offer Maureen a well-rounded view of the research landscape in biology, complementing her academic studies and better preparing her for a career in medicine.

Answer 2

Accepting the research position will likely teach Maureen the importance of mundane tasks in reaching larger goals, provide her with hands-on research experience, and allow her to contribute to the medicine field in practical ways.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Maureen accepts the research position for a project that her instructor is working on over the summer, the most likely outcome is that she will learn firsthand how relatively mundane tasks can be essential to achieving a larger goal (option a). This experience will allow her to engage in primary research, which is a critical component of academic and professional development within the field of medicine and biology. It's an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, providing a bridge between classroom learning and real-world application.

Research positions, especially in a scientific field like biology, often involve performing tasks that might seem routine or mundane. However, these tasks are crucial for the advancement of research projects. Career research isn’t just about uncovering different job titles; it involves understanding the day-to-day responsibilities and skills needed for a profession. Maureen will learn about the scientific process, ethical standards, and potentially contribute to publications or presentations, which she can without a doubt include on her resume, contrary to option d.

The position will give her invaluable insights into the world of research within the medicine field, and could also give her professional connections that may help her later in her career. It’s less likely for undergraduates to be responsible for delivering lectures and making presentations at conferences (option b), or to simply observe without active participation (option c), as research positions are typically designed to be interactive and engaging.