When researching for your writing, how do you determine what is relevant?
The interviewer wants to make sure you know how to get the best information for the specific writing at hand. Your answer can be general while also including some specific websites, journals, and so on. You have some room for creativity with this question, just try to also demonstrate that you are familiar with reputable sources. If you have a relevant example from your own experience, then use it!
"The last thing I published was a manuscript comparing different diagnostic assays. To obtain the relevant research, I searched PubMed for related articles regarding the particular assay. I wanted to show how other scientists used the assay successfully in addition to learning all of the assays limitations."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Writing is similar to a criminal case in court and the writer can take either side. The format and content of the message are designed for the jury "“ the audience. The argument is supported by evidence, and, similar to the advice from a legal counsel, the evidence on which the argument is based needs to be factual and to make sense. This is why experience and formal education have a decisive say. For example, there is a flood of information in electronic format. The first step would be to filter it down by improving the search terms, that is, by using professional terminology instead of that found in plain language. Once references are found, I read the conclusion, which has to support my topic. But, most importantly, I read the materials and methods used in a study in the context of the discussion. It is all a matter of perspective, understanding the big picture, and reading. Tomes.
Amanda's Feedback
Well done! You've explained that you decide relevancy based on facts, source quality, and the quality of the research study. This answer reflects your ability to think logically and critically when writing for the medical field.
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