3.

GEOG 1 Artifact and Reflection 3: Evidence of Course Student Learning Outcome 3: Discussion
4: Formulate geographic research questions and hypothesis
1.

Student Learning Outcome 3 is to formulate geographic research questions and hypothesis

to evaluate solutions to complex real world physical geography problems.

2.

I chose Discussion 4: Formulate geographic research questions and hypothesis as my

artifact for Student Learning Outcome 3 because it seems the most natural article choice; the
assignment very clearly addresses the major components of the learning outcome, and I felt that
I had satisfactorily demonstrated my knowledge and skills in my post and responses.

3.

The specific skills and knowledge from Student Learning Outcome 3 that I utilized by
completing this assignment fully encompass the breadth of the outcome. In researching the
Wulingyuan, I was able to formulate geographic research questions, and in responding to other
students posts and questions, I was able to hypothesize about geography patterns and
processes. In this case, about the age of Mount Everest, as well as researching the pattern and
detailing the dating process as well as the importance of triangulating dating methods. In
discussing the different methods and also talking about how crucial it is to use more than one
dating method in order to more reliably date something, I highlight the limitations of dating
methods. All of them have their limitations and can lead to inaccuracies in data. By triangulating
data methods, the more overlap in data there is, shows that it is a more reliable time scale. In
talking about this, I also illustrate that something that people often take for granted (the age of
things as scientific fact) can be much more complex of an issue. There are many factors that

can create error when determining the age of something, and it is best to address them truthfully,
in the spirit of science. In my post, I also propose possible dating methods by referring to dating
methods I had heard about in person. In that particular case, I mentioned how Cedar Break, an
anthropologically significant place, was dated by using the Bristlecone Pines, which has a unique
growing pattern, and is useful because they are incredibly old and arent very susceptible to
death. In this way, I was able to apply previously learned methods of dating to a new situation
and context.

4.

My knowledge has definitely grown reading through my classmates posts, especially in

interpreting the questions and doing my own research on the locations in order to respond to
their posed research questions, I learned a lot about the area as well as applied what I learned
from the readings about the different dating methods, as well as verified for myself what methods
are being used in the field. As well, my skills for researching and interpreting information was
developed. Understanding dating methods is also important for Anthropologists (my field of
study) so it is relevant and an important kind of knowledge that has application for me personally.