Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

'Boden Food Plate': Novel Interactive Web-based Method for the Assessment of Dietary Intake
Published on: September 18, 2018
Assessment of Scientific Literacy Skill Development Essential for Evidence-Based Practice During Combined Dietetic
Kelsey Van1, Rachel K Von Holt1, David M Beauchamp1
1Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph ON.
Students in a Master of Applied Nutrition program showed improved scientific literacy (SL) skills, particularly in data interpretation. However, critical appraisal of scientific literature remains a training gap requiring targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Health Professions Education
Background:
- Scientific literacy (SL) is crucial for evidence-based practice in dietetics.
- The Master of Applied Nutrition program aims to develop essential skills for nutrition professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the development of practical and self-perceived scientific literacy skills.
- To assess skill acquisition throughout the Master of Applied Nutrition program.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory longitudinal cohort study design.
- Utilized a validated Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (SLaT) for practical assessment.
- Employed optional online surveys at program start and end for self-perceived capabilities.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in both practical and perceived SL skills were observed.
- Greatest improvements noted in drawing conclusions from quantitative data and interpreting graphical data.
- A key training gap identified in the critical assessment of scientific literature validity.
Conclusions:
- The Master of Applied Nutrition program effectively enhances SL skills vital for dietetic practice.
- Targeted educational strategies are necessary to address identified training gaps, specifically in literature appraisal.
- Continuous program evaluation is essential to ensure graduates possess comprehensive scientific literacy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data...
Methods of Documentation III: PIE
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning,...
Critical Thinking II
Critical Thinking
Colleges and universities are...

